PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Tendai Mtariwa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Janno Kivessoo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kivessoo is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Children Of Bodom - Blooddrunk. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Mtariwa
vs
Kivessoo

188 cm
22
255 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

197 cm
18
265 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Very strong

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Tends to cut

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Tendai Mtariwa!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Janno Kivessoo!
The judges for this bout are Sosuke Kotani, Hirohito Nitta and Shigeki Sano.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Mtariwa clinches with his opponent.
Kivessoo throws a knee to the head but misses.
Mtariwa is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Kivessoo scores a nice knee to the body.
Kivessoo with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Mtariwa managing to block the knees to the body from Kivessoo.
Mtariwa missing with knees to the body.
Kivessoo throws a knee to the head but misses.
Kivessoo with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Mtariwa landing knees to the body.

Mtariwa has dropped down and is working for a takedown. Kivessoo is trying to keep an underhook but Mtariwa manages to get the takedown into half guard.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Kivessoo looks like he's trying to stand up.
Kivessoo looks gassed!
Mtariwa is looking to take a break and control but Kivessoo is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Mtariwa wants to lay and pray for a moment but Kivessoo keeps working.
Still in half guard, Mtariwa seems content to control.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Mtariwa seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Kivessoo for as long as he can get away with.
Mtariwa winds up and cracks Kivessoo with a swinging punch to the side of the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kivessoo tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.
Mtariwa trying to control the action but Kivessoo is working from the bottom.

Mtariwa is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Kivessoo defends it well.
Mtariwa thows a huge punch but Kivessoo dodges it nicely.
Kivessoo blocking the ground and pound attempt from Mtariwa.
Kivessoo is trying to stand.

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

Mtariwa is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Mtariwa walks into a jab.
Kivessoo fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Kivessoo swinging wilding here.
Mtariwa is looking to clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Kivessoo swinging wilding here.

Mtariwa rushes Kivessoo and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.

Mtariwa breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Mtariwa avoids the body shot from Kivessoo.

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

Kivessoo pushes Mtariwa off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
Mtariwa misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Kivessoo falls off balance throwing a combination
and Kivessoo takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Kivessoo throws a predictable looking body shot

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

Mtariwa turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Kivessoo tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Mtariwa tries to score with some ground and pound. Kivessoo controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
Kivessoo is trying to get back to his feet.
Kivessoo can't do much from the bottom here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
An elbow from Mtariwa crashes against the mat.
Kivessoo pushes Mtariwa away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Mtariwa gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.
Mtariwa scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Kivessoo to see if he's OK.

It looks like Janno Kivessoo has been cut.
Kivessoo wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
Mtariwa trying to control the position but Kivessoo is working away.

Mtariwa tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Mtariwa has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Kivessoo wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!

Mtariwa decides to take the fight back to the feet.
Kivessoo throws an ugly left hook that misses

and Mtariwa counters with a shoot takedown. Kivessoo fights it but they end up in guard.
Mtariwa trying to control but Kivessoo is working from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mtariwa passes Kivessoo's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Mtariwa missing with the ground and pound from half guard.

Mtariwa is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

Mtariwa is looking for a kimura. It's pretty deep but Kivessoo still has the half guard so he's probably OK. Oh, Kivessoo has exploded into a beautiful escape there and after a quick scramble, he's ended up in side control on top! Nice work!

Kivessoo stands up.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for leaving it all in the cage!
Kivessoo lands a nice looking body kick.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Mtariwa takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Nice uppercut lands for Mtariwa. That snapped Kivessoo's head back.
Janno Kivessoo is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

Kivessoo tries to keep at a distance but Mtariwa has taken the fight into the clinch.
Mtariwa taking a breather.
Kivessoo misses with an elbow strike.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tendai Mtariwa dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Janno Kivessoo's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Kivessoo tries to keep at a distance but Mtariwa has taken the fight into the clinch.
Mtariwa tries to pull guard but Kivessoo won't allow it.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Kivessoo.
Kivessoo wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Kivessoo tries to land knees in the clinch but Mtariwa avoids the damage to the body.
Kivessoo wants to break free but Mtariwa has control.
Kivessoo wants to break free but Mtariwa has control.
Mtariwa lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Kivessoo misses with a knee strike.

Mtariwa has Kivessoo pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Mtariwa pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Kivessoo tumbling to the mat - Mtariwa dives into Kivessoo's guard.
Mtariwa trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Mtariwa decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
Mtariwa punishes Kivessoo's body with a nice straight punch.
Janno Kivessoo seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kivessoo misses with a combination
and Mtariwa counters with a straight right hand.
A jab from Mtariwa does it's job there.

That has opened up Janno Kivessoo's cut even more.
Mtariwa closes the distance and clinches up with Kivessoo, looking for a takedown. Mtariwa pushes Kivessoo against the cage but Kivessoo circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Kivessoo misses with a head kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kivessoo throws a head kick but Mtariwa moves out of range.

Mtariwa looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Mtariwa is pressing down on Kivessoo's thigh, looking to free his foot. Kivessoo is holding on for now.
Mtariwa prevents Kivessoo from improving his position.
Kivessoo looks like he's trying to stand up.
Mtariwa thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

Mtariwa is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Kivessoo makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Kivessoo.
Kivessoo wants to get back to his feet but Mtariwa is in a dominant position and won't allow it.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Mtariwa shoots in for a double leg but Kivessoo sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Tendai Mtariwa. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kivessoo fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Mtariwa is out of range.
Kivessoo throws a lazy uppercut

so Mtariwa counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Kivessoo is looking to stand up but Mtariwa isn't so interested in that idea.
Mtariwa trying to control the position from guard on top but Kivessoo is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Tendai Mtariwa overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Mtariwa throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Mtariwa is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.

Mtariwa stands up and waves to Kivessoo to follow him.
Kivessoo shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.

Mtariwa moves into the clinch.
Kivessoo misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Mtariwa.

Mtariwa is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Kivessoo can't fight it off and eventually Mtariwa manages to take the fight to the floor. Kivessoo looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Mtariwa pushing down on Kivessoo's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Kivessoo missing with punches from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Mtariwa decides to stand up.
Tendai Mtariwa is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Mtariwa taking a breather.
Mtariwa wants a takedown.

Kivessoo breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Kivessoo misses with a double jab

and Mtariwa counters by clinching up.
Mtariwa tries for a takedown but Kivessoo manages to get underhooks.
Kivessoo tries to stall but Mtariwa uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Kivessoo misses with a knee strike.
Kivessoo lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Mtariwa lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Kivessoo using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Mtariwa has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Kivessoo with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Kivessoo wants to stall.
Mtariwa lands an elbow inside that Kivessoo shrugs off.

Mtariwa escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Kivessoo slips a jab and a cross from Mtariwa.
Kivessoo misses with a hook

and Mtariwa counters with a shoot takedown. Kivessoo fights it but they end up in guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kivessoo wants to stand up but Mtariwa is controlling him.

Mtariwa drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Mtariwa jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kivessoo keeping full guard, as Mtariwa tries to pass.

Mtariwa stands up from guard. Let's bang!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Mtariwa clinches with his opponent.
Kivessoo is trying to stall.
Mtariwa tries for a takedown. No joy.
Kivessoo lands a body punch in the clinch.
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!
Mtariwa tries to score a body lock takedown but Kivessoo shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tendai Mtariwa dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Janno Kivessoo's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Kivessoo throws a combination that misses

and Mtariwa moves into the clinch.
Kivessoo throws a punch but it's blocked by Mtariwa.

Mtariwa has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Kivessoo regains guard immediately.

Kivessoo is working an open guard so Mtariwa takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Kivessoo misses with a hook

and Mtariwa counters with a shoot takedown. Kivessoo fights it but they end up in guard.
Mtariwa stops Kivessoo from standing up.
Mtariwa passes Kivessoo's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Mtariwa lands strikes from half guard.
Kivessoo is looking to improve his position.
Mtariwa has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.

Kivessoo bucks Mtariwa off and manages to get back to his feet!
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kivessoo throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Mtariwa counters with a nice double leg into side control. Kivessoo won't be happy with that.
Kivessoo is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Mtariwa is controlling him well.

Mtariwa wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Kivessoo, who protects the arm well.
Mtariwa wants to lay and pray for a moment but Kivessoo keeps working.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kivessoo is working to avoid the ground and pound but Mtariwa connects with a decent elbow.

Mtariwa is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Kivessoo knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Kivessoo wants to get back to his feet but Mtariwa is dominant here and he's now got Kivessoo's back!
Mtariwa wants to take his opponent's back but Kivessoo doesn't allow it.
Mtariwa wants to control the pace but Kivessoo is squirming around nicely.
Kivessoo tries to hold on but Mtariwa postures up.
Mtariwa tries to control but Kivessoo wriggling away.
Kivessoo is trying to escape the mount.
Mtariwa cracks Kivessoo with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kivessoo's corner are shouting for him to stand up but that's bad cornering - how is he meant to stand up when he's mounted? He should be looking to improve his position on the ground before trying to stand back up.
Mtariwa looking to finish Kivessoo with some ground and pound. This is bad for Kivessoo!
Mtariwa is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Kivessoo can do to turn this around?
Kivessoo has given up his back, trying to stand up. Not clever.

Mtariwa is staying calm and holding on to the back position, whilst working on a rear naked choke. Kivessoo is defending well though. Mtariwa let's go of the attempt for now.

Kivessoo manages to stand up with Mtariwa still on his back. Eventually Mtariwa drops to his feet and we're back in the standing position.

Mtariwa fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Kivessoo, pushing him back against the cage.
Kivessoo tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Mtariwa is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Kivessoo pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Kivessoo swings wildly with an uppercut but Mtariwa uses good head movement to avoid it.
Mtariwa changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Kivessoo fights it off and pushes away nicely.

Mtariwa has taken the fight to the clinch.
Mtariwa goes for a takedown attempt but Kivessoo pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Tendai Mtariwa. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kivessoo misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kivessoo misses with the combination.
Kivessoo throws a right and a left that Mtariwa avoids nicely.
Mtariwa pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Kivessoo fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Kivessoo misses with a head kick.

Mtariwa gets the takedown into side control.
Kivessoo wants to get back to his feet but Mtariwa drags him back down.
Kivessoo regains half guard.
Janno Kivessoo has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Mtariwa seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Kivessoo does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

Kivessoo kicks off Mtariwa and gets to his feet.
Mtariwa is looking to clinch.
Kivessoo tries to bum rush Mtariwa with a series of wild strikes but Mtariwa uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Mtariwa showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Kivessoo.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mtariwa lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Kivessoo walks into a stiff left hand from Mtariwa.

Mtariwa pushes Kivessoo up against the cage in a clinch.
Kivessoo gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Mtariwa.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Kivessoo just misses with a elbow thrown towards Mtariwa's brow.

Mtariwa has picked Kivessoo up - he's going for a ride! Mtariwa dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Mtariwa in particular looking to stall.
Mtariwa seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Kivessoo does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Mtariwa is figuring out what he wants to do next.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Mtariwa decides to stand up and try his luck on the feet.
Kivessoo tries to bum rush Mtariwa with a series of wild strikes but Mtariwa uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Mtariwa sizes up Kivessoo with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
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!
Kivessoo throws a lazy uppercut

and Mtariwa counters with a takedown into side control.

And that's the end of the fight!
Tendai Mtariwa showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Mtariwa has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Sosuke Kotani scores the fight 30:27
Judge Hirohito Nitta scores the fight 30:27
Judge Shigeki Sano scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Tendai Mtariwa!