PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Jetset Niemi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Bot Botanovic (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Niemi's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, Parker & Clind - Generator. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Niemi
vs
Botanovic

170 cm
23
177 lbs
11 - 2 - 0

180 cm
27
175 lbs
13 - 4 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Powerful takedowns
Dangerous knees
Granite chin

Resistance

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 11 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Jetset Niemi!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Bot Botanovic!
The judges for this bout are Ben Zyskovitsi, Anni Minnemäki and Matti Vanhoillinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Botanovic takes the fight into the clinch.
Niemi pressing his opponent against the cage.

Botanovic lands a takedown into guard.
Botanovic wants to pass the guard but Niemi is keeping the position.
Niemi manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Niemi is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Botanovic can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
Botanovic tries to reverse the position but Niemi maintains control.
Botanovic is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Botanovic is in all sorts of trouble here.
Botanovic is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Botanovic slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Botanovic wants to control but Niemi is keeping busy.
Niemi trying to control the action but Botanovic is working from the bottom.
Botanovic on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Botanovic is looking to improve his position.
Botanovic wants to control but Niemi is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Botanovic wants to get back to full guard but Niemi has mounted him!
Botanovic takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The referee warns Botanovic that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
Botanovic taking shots to the head.
Niemi thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Botanovic is bucking up trying to escape but Niemi cracks him with another couple of good strikes.
Niemi throws an elbow from mount that misses. Lucky escape for Botanovic because Niemi loaded up on that one.
Botanovic regains half guard.
Niemi wants to lay and pray for a moment but Botanovic keeps working.
Niemi wants to free his trapped foot but Botanovic is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Botanovic is trying to get back to full guard.
Niemi throwing shots but Botanovic is blocking nicely.
Botanovic trying to hold on to Niemi's head to control him but Niemi postures up.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Botanovic looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Botanovic has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Niemi is working away from the top position though.
Niemi missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.

Botanovic gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Botanovic with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Niemi struggles to land a body shot inside as Botanovic controls his hands.

Botanovic breaks from the clinch.
Botanovic takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Botanovic tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Jetset Niemi is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Niemi dips to his left and cracks Botanovic with an uppercut!
Botanovic scores with a leg kick.
Niemi takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
Niemi throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Niemi scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Botanovic wants to clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Botanovic avoids a punch combination nicely.
Niemi takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Niemi throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Niemi throws a body kick, spinning off balance

and Botanovic counters with a single leg into guard. Niemi didn't expect that.
Niemi utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Botanovic trying to control the position from guard on top but Niemi is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Niemi working a defensive guard here.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Botanovic trying to control but Niemi is working from the bottom.
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 Jetset Niemi will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

A chopping leg kick lands by Botanovic.
Niemi throws a head kick that misses.
Horrible takedown by Botanovic or perhaps it was just good defense by Niemi which made him look bad.
Bot Botanovic is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Niemi scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Niemi will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Niemi tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Niemi fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Botanovic manages to avoid it.
Botanovic takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Botanovic slips under a jab.
Botanovic misses with a low kick.
A low kick from Niemi misses

and Botanovic counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Botanovic is looking to stall here but Niemi recovers full guard.
Botanovic throws and elbow that misses. Niemi uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Botanovic's guard. Nice move by Niemi!
Niemi has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Botanovic throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Botanovic is on top in guard.
Niemi preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Niemi is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.

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.
Niemi working a defensive guard here.

Botanovic drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Niemi dives on top into guard.
Niemi pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Botanovic is keeping the position for now.
Botanovic trying to control the position.
Niemi passes Botanovic's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Botanovic is staying active underneath Niemi, who seems content to just control the action from this position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Botanovic is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Niemi's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Niemi's back!
Niemi trying to control but he's just got himself in more trouble.

Botanovic is working hard for the rear naked choke here.
What can Niemi do to escape this position? He's going to have to figure it out pretty quick if he wants to stay in the fight!

Botanovic working for a RNC but it's not happening just yet.

Niemi is in a bad position with Botanovic working for a choke. Niemi manages to spin nicely into guard and the danger is over for the moment.
Botanovic is breathing heavily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Botanovic keeping moving, preventing Niemi from controlling successfully.
Niemi is in close to Botanovic's body, working some short punches and elbows.

Botanovic is looking for a triangle here but Niemi uses the submission attempt to pass into side control.
Niemi throwing shots but missing, from side control.
Botanovic manages to work his way to half guard, despite Niemi's best efforts.
Botanovic avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Niemi.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bot Botanovic showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Niemi fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Botanovic is out of range.
Botanovic scores with a head kick.
Niemi throws a big shot that misses.
Niemi throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Good exchange - Niemi coming out on top.
Niemi tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Botanovic is able to avoid easily.
Niemi scores with a hook to the body. Botanovic takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Niemi throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Botanovic takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Niemi scores with a decent looking hook.
Niemi works the jab nicely.
Niemi moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Niemi lunges at Botanovic with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Botanovic's hand.
Niemi misses the shot to the body.
Niemi takes a head kick and keeps coming.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A low kick from Niemi is predictable there

and Botanovic counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Botanovic.
Botanovic advances position into side control!
Bot Botanovic has got the better of the ground game so far.
Botanovic cracks Niemi with a big elbow.
Botanovic is maintaining the dominant position - no doubt Niemi will start to get frustrated soon if he's not already.

Botanovic thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.

Botanovic thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Botanovic takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Niemi is looking to regain half guard here but Botanovic keeps moving and retains side control.
Botanovic throwing shots but missing, from side control.
Botanovic in side control, just content to control the action for now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Botanovic is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Niemi knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.

Botanovic looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Niemi is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Botanovic off and has taken his back!
You can see the frustration on Botanovic's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.
Niemi tries to get the hooks in deep but Botanovic pushed the leg off.
Botanovic tries to roll but Niemi sticks to his back.
Botanovic wants to control his opponent's hands but Niemi gets his hands free.
Botanovic tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
Niemi prevents Botanovic from getting the reversal.
Niemi misses with some ground and pound and Botanovic recovers position to half guard.
Botanovic keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bot Botanovic really dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Niemi throws a big shot that misses.
Botanovic tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Niemi swivels and escapes.
Niemi misses with the combination.
A jab from Niemi misses.
Botanovic throws a leg kick that is checked
and Niemi counters with a right hand to the body.
A punch combination from Niemi misses.
Niemi throws a nice inside leg kick.
Niemi throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Botanovic sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Botanovic shoots for a double leg takedown but Niemi sprawls well. He's pushed Botanovic's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Botanovic changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Niemi tries to avoid it but Botanovic manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Niemi to the ground. Niemi escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Jetset Niemi has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Bot Botanovic.
Botanovic is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Botanovic closes the distance and clinches up with Niemi, looking for a takedown. Botanovic pushes Niemi against the cage but Niemi circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Niemi misses with a leg kick
and Botanovic counters with a kick to the head that grazes his opponent. Niemi is lucky that one didn't land flush.
Niemi throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Niemi misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Botanovic.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Botanovic misses with an attempted mid kick.
Niemi just misses with a punch to the body.
Botanovic misses with an attempted mid kick.
A slow jab from Niemi misses its intended target.
Botanovic lands a front kick.
Niemi scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Botanovic misses with a low kick as Niemi jumps back.
Niemi tries to work over Botanovic's front leg with a kick but Botanovic checks it.
Niemi turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Botanovic tries to move into range but Niemi moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Jetset Niemi is winning the standup battle so far.
Niemi throws a shot from downtown. Botanovic moves away and avoids it.
Niemi throws a series of strikes that have Botanovic backpedaling.
Niemi is looking to chop away at Botanovic's legs.
Botanovic takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Niemi throws the left hand but Botanovic avoids the punch easily.
A left lands for Niemi.
Nice cross by Niemi.
Jetset Niemi seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Botanovic throws a leg kick that is checked
and Niemi counters with a nice body kick.
A solid leg kick lands there for Niemi.
Niemi throws a series of punches but Botanovic avoids them all with ease.
Horrible takedown by Botanovic or perhaps it was just good defense by Niemi which made him look bad.
Niemi throws a nice looking combination but Botanovic bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Niemi misses with a two punch combination.
An inside leg kick lands from Niemi.
Botanovic shoots in for a takedown but Niemi shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Nice cross by Niemi.
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!
Botanovic misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Niemi scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Botanovic doesn't seem bothered though.
Niemi lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Niemi tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Botanovic slips a jab and a cross from Niemi.
Niemi dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Botanovic. That did some damage!
Niemi avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Niemi lands the left hand.
Niemi missing with a left hand there. Botanovic was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Niemi misses with a wild combination.
Niemi thows a leg kick but Botanovic checks it
and Botanovic counters with a kick to the head that grazes his opponent. Niemi is lucky that one didn't land flush.
Botanovic shoots in but Niemi avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Botanovic on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Niemi looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Niemi throws a right hand that Botanovic ducks under and follows up with a left that Botanovic also avoids with ease.
Botanovic throws a chopping leg kick but Niemi manages to avoid taking any serious damage.

Botanovic shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Niemi has Botanovic pulled in close to control his posture.
Niemi keeping full guard, as Botanovic tries to pass.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Niemi is trying to keep Botanovic in close.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jetset Niemi had his way with Bot Botanovic in that round.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Botanovic wants to clinch up but Niemi keeps it at a distance.
Niemi lands with a kick to the ribs.
A nice inside leg kick there by Botanovic. That's going to slow Niemi down.
Botanovic looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
A head kick misses from Niemi.
Niemi just misses with a punch to the body.
Niemi lands with a good body shot.
A solid leg kick lands there for Botanovic.
A clash of legs there as Niemi blocks the low kick.
Niemi scores with a decent looking hook.
Niemi takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Botanovic ducks under a wild hook from Niemi.
Botanovic misses with a body kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Niemi throws a leg kick that is checked

and Botanovic counters with a shoot takedown. Niemi fights it but they end up in guard.
Botanovic trying to control the position from guard on top but Niemi is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Botanovic is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?

Botanovic drops back looking for a submission - "I'm sorry sir, but I'm gunna break your leg" says Botanovic as he cranks on the unfortunate limb! Niemi screams and taps out before any major damage is done! Don't mess with Botanovic! Nice submission victory there!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:48 of round 5, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kneebar). Bot Botanovic!