PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Matsu Yoshioka (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Orvar Saefstrom (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Matsu Yoshioka has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Yoshioka
vs
Saefstrom

181 cm
18
158 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

174 cm
18
158 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Matsu Yoshioka!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Orvar Saefstrom!
The judges for this bout are Tarja Halkonen, Arvi Lind and Johanna Lukiainen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Saefstrom thumps Yoshioka with a low kick.
Saefstrom thows a body kick. Yoshioka tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Good standup being displayed there by Yoshioka as he connects with a hook.
Saefstrom throws a nice looking combination but Yoshioka bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
No joy there for Saefstrom, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Yoshioka lands with a good body shot.
Saefstrom throws a series of punches but Yoshioka moves out of range.
Yoshioka scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
Yoshioka throws a series of punches but Saefstrom avoids them all with ease.
Yoshioka works over Saefstrom's head and body with a nice combination.
Saefstrom goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
A jab from Saefstrom misses.
Saefstrom throws a head kick that misses.
Saefstrom misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Yoshioka counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Saefstrom throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Saefstrom looks to land a combination but Yoshioka avoids it well.
Danga de danga de dang - Yoshioka scores with a four punch combination!
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!
Yoshioka digs a good body shot into Saefstrom's ribs.
Left hook, right uppercut from Yoshioka.
Saefstrom falls off balance throwing a combination
and Yoshioka counters with a two punch combo.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Yoshioka avoids a kick to the body.
Good exchange - Yoshioka coming out on top.
Yoshioka throws out a powerful jab.
Saefstrom falls off balance throwing a combination
and Yoshioka counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Saefstrom looks gassed!
Yoshioka dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Yoshioka is looking to wear down Saefstrom with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Yoshioka misses with the combination.
Saefstrom lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Saefstrom misses with a straight left.
Saefstrom takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Saefstrom misses with a head kick.
Yoshioka scores with a body shot.
A combination from Yoshioka does no damage.
Saefstrom misses with a takedown attempt - Yoshioka sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Yoshioka lands with an uppercut that bounces Saefstrom off the cage and back into rage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Yoshioka scores with a one two! Saefstrom had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Yoshioka stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Yoshioka is working the combinations to good effect here.
Yoshioka displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
A nice combination there by Yoshioka.
Saefstrom throws a left and a right that both miss
and Yoshioka counters with a one-two to the body.
Yoshioka moves out of range as Saefstrom throws a body kick.
A shot to the liver by Yoshioka. Beautiful body shot.
Yoshioka scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
Yoshioka throws a good cross that connects.
Yoshioka chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Saefstrom can pounce on him.
Yoshioka fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Saefstrom on the side of the head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Yoshioka stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Saefstrom misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Yoshioka smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Saefstrom misses with a combination
and Yoshioka counters with a nice uppercut.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saefstrom connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Yoshioka throws a big shot that misses.
Yoshioka is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Saefstrom.
Saefstrom falls off balance throwing a combination
and Yoshioka makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Saefstrom lands a nice leg kick that just misses Yoshioka's sensitive parts.
Orvar Saefstrom seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Saefstrom misses the shot to the body.
Yoshioka takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Saefstrom throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Saefstrom takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Saefstrom falls off balance throwing a combination
enabling Yoshioka to counter with a crisp jab.
Saefstrom misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Yoshioka scores with a one two! Saefstrom had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Saefstrom misses with a double jab
and Yoshioka counters with a nice body shot.
Yoshioka is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Saefstrom throws a sloppy head kick and Yoshioka moves out of range easily.
Saefstrom throws the kick towards the body but Yoshioka avoids it.
Saefstrom throws a sloppy head kick and Yoshioka moves out of range easily.
Saefstrom on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Yoshioka fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Saefstrom throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Yoshioka cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Yoshioka fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Saefstrom swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Yoshioka counters with a left and a right that stings Saefstrom.
Saefstrom misses with a wild body shot.
The fighters circle momentarily. Yoshioka darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Saefstrom throws the left hand but Yoshioka avoids the punch easily.
Saefstrom misses with a double jab
and Yoshioka counters with a right hand to the body.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Saefstrom pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Yoshioka stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Saefstrom throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Yoshioka counters with a lovely straight right hand!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Saefstrom throws a left and a right that both miss
and Yoshioka counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Saefstrom misses with a two punch combination.
Saefstrom misses with a series of wild punches.
Saefstrom takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Saefstrom throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Yoshioka's head.
Yoshioka lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Saefstrom at a distance.
Yoshioka lands an overhand right.
Yoshioka stuns Saefstrom with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Saefstrom tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Yoshioka lands a nice looking body shot.
Yoshioka with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Saefstrom has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Yoshioka displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
Saefstrom takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Matsu Yoshioka is winning the standup battle so far.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Yoshioka blocks a jab.
Saefstrom misses with a low kick as Yoshioka jumps back.
Yoshioka scores with a shot to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saefstrom throws a wild body kick that Yoshioka sees coming a mile off.
Yoshioka dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Saefstrom misses with a double jab
and Yoshioka counters with a two punch combo.
Yoshioka scores with a sloppy right hand. Saefstrom should have avoided that one.
Yoshioka lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Matsu Yoshioka is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
A jab from Saefstrom does it's job there.
Saefstrom falls off balance throwing a combination
and Yoshioka counters with a series of strikes. Saefstrom will be more careful next time no doubt.
Yoshioka is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Saefstrom tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Yoshioka lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Yoshioka dodges the punch combination from Saefstrom.
Saefstrom walks into a stiff left hand from Yoshioka.
Saefstrom bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Yoshioka fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Saefstrom looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Saefstrom falls off balance throwing a combination
and Yoshioka counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Yoshioka throws a series of punches but Saefstrom moves out of range.
Saefstrom swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Yoshioka counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Saefstrom thinking.
Saefstrom on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
A cross from Yoshioka lands.
A shot to the liver by Saefstrom. Beautiful body shot.
Saefstrom blocks a jab.
Saefstrom misses with a wild combination.
Saefstrom has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
A head kick misses from Saefstrom.
Saefstrom 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 head kick misses from Saefstrom.
Saefstrom pulls out of a head kick attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Yoshioka throws a combination. Saefstrom tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Saefstrom misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Yoshioka.
Yoshioka catches Saefstrom with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Saefstrom throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Yoshioka counters with a straight right hand.
Yoshioka swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Saefstrom.
Saefstrom misses with a double jab.
Saefstrom swinging wildly here.
Saefstrom takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Saefstrom misses with a series of wild punches.
A slow jab from Saefstrom misses its intended target.
Yoshioka scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Yoshioka scores with a nice head shot.
Saefstrom throws a quick inside leg kick.

That's four 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.
A nice inside leg kick there by Saefstrom. That's going to slow Yoshioka down.
Yoshioka ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Saefstrom swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Yoshioka counters with a left and a right that stings Saefstrom.
Saefstrom is really struggling to land any decent head shots against his taller opponent.
Yoshioka scores with a shot to the body.
Yoshioka displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Saefstrom throws out the jab.
A punch combination from Saefstrom misses.
Yoshioka closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Saefstrom misses with a body kick.
Saefstrom tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Saefstrom throws a head kick that misses.
Saefstrom takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Saefstrom throws a left and a right that both miss
letting Yoshioka counter with a right hand.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Saefstrom throws the left hand but Yoshioka avoids the punch easily.
Saefstrom throws a predictable looking body shot
enabling Yoshioka to counter with a crisp jab.
Yoshioka works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Saefstrom tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Matsu Yoshioka dominated that second round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Yoshioka's corner calls for a 1-2. Yoshioka obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Yoshioka misses with a double jab.
Saefstrom misses with an uppercut.
Yoshioka scores with a sloppy right hand. Saefstrom should have avoided that one.
Saefstrom buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Saefstrom misses with a head kick.

Saefstrom drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Saefstrom throws and elbow that misses. Yoshioka uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Saefstrom's guard. Nice move by Yoshioka!
Yoshioka looking to pass the guard.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Saefstrom tries to land a sweep but no joy.

That's one minute gone in the round.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Saefstrom is on top in guard.
Saefstrom content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Saefstrom missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Saefstrom accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Saefstrom working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Saefstrom accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Yoshioka working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Saefstrom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Saefstrom content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Saefstrom slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Saefstrom postures up in Yoshioka's guard and throws a big left but Yoshioka blocks it.
Saefstrom has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Yoshioka lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Saefstrom throws a left and a right that both miss
enabling Yoshioka to counter with a crisp jab.
Saefstrom on the wrong end of a nice hook.
A big right from Saefstrom misses.
Saefstrom looks to land a combination but Yoshioka avoids it well.
Nice uppercut lands for Yoshioka. That snapped Saefstrom's head back.
Yoshioka with a body punch. A glancing blow.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saefstrom throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Saefstrom with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Yoshioka to score with a decent uppercut.
Yoshioka rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Saefstrom moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Saefstrom smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Yoshioka scores with a jab. Saefstrom acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Saefstrom moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Saefstrom misses with a two punch combination.
Saefstrom takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Saefstrom misses with a wild combination.
Saefstrom will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Yoshioka throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Saefstrom stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Yoshioka keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Saefstrom.
Saefstrom tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Saefstrom misses with a double jab
and Yoshioka counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Saefstrom thinking.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Saefstrom misses with a double jab
and Yoshioka counters with a left to the body.
Saefstrom is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Yoshioka.
Saefstrom shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Saefstrom dodges the punch combination from Yoshioka.
Yoshioka staying out of range there.
Saefstrom lands with a nice body kick.
A solid leg kick lands there for Saefstrom.
Yoshioka lands a nice shot to the body.
Yoshioka tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
A slow jab from Saefstrom misses its intended target.
Saefstrom on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Orvar Saefstrom has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Matsu Yoshioka is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
A head kick misses from Saefstrom.
Yoshioka connects with a good right hand that stumbles Saefstrom. Saefstrom circles away out of range and recomposes himself.

And that's the end of the fight!
Orvar Saefstrom comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Yoshioka 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 29:28
Judge Arvi Lind scores the fight 29:28
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Matsu Yoshioka!