PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Jussi Viitalainen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mick Fitzpatrick (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Viitalainen
vs
Fitzpatrick

207 cm
22
222 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

191 cm
22
215 lbs
5 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
World class MT
Cardio machine

BJJ Purple Belt
Lethal high kicks
Heavy handed

Crashforce Nutrition
M/S Paint Fightwear *** Cheapest in town ***

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Jussi Viitalainen!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Mick Fitzpatrick!
The judges for this bout are Marco Blurström, Tarja Halkonen and Anni Minnemäki.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Fitzpatrick feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Viitalainen will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Fitzpatrick stopping the sweep attempt from Viitalainen.
Fitzpatrick is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Fitzpatrick wants to control from the top but Viitalainen keeps moving.
Fitzpatrick is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Fitzpatrick trying to control the position from guard on top but Viitalainen is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Fitzpatrick must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

Mick Fitzpatrick has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
Fitzpatrick misses the shot to the body.
Fitzpatrick swings widly with a right hand

and Viitalainen counters with a takedown into side control.
Viitalainen in side control, throwing shots but Fitzpatrick defends.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fitzpatrick can't do much from the bottom here.
Fitzpatrick is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Viitalainen tries to stand and escape but Fitzpatrick is controlling the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Fitzpatrick trying to get back to full guard but Viitalainen takes advantage of the position and moves to full mount!
Fitzpatrick has worked his way to half guard, taking advantage of Viitalainen's lack of action.

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.

Fitzpatrick actively working from the bottom here.
Fitzpatrick tries to roll over but Viitalainen keeps him under control.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Fitzpatrick is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Viitalainen escapes and gets back to his feet.
Viitalainen cracks Fitzpatrick with a right hand to the side of the head.
Viitalainen tries to land a leg kick but Fitzpatrick saw it coming and moves away.
Fitzpatrick throws a right hand that Viitalainen ducks under and follows up with a left that Viitalainen also avoids with ease.
Fitzpatrick rushes in with a sloppy looking punch

and Viitalainen counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Viitalainen.
Viitalainen landing knees to the body.
Fitzpatrick throws a punch but it's blocked by Viitalainen.
Fitzpatrick misses with a body punch.
Viitalainen missing with knees to the body.
Viitalainen lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Fitzpatrick or not.
Viitalainen misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Fitzpatrick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Viitalainen utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Viitalainen prevents a takedown attempt there.
Fitzpatrick tries to circle away but Viitalainen has him pinned against the cage.
Viitalainen lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Viitalainen tries to land knees in the clinch but Fitzpatrick avoids the damage to the body.
Fitzpatrick takes a knee to the side of the body.
Fitzpatrick looking to stall.
Fitzpatrick tries to land a knee to the head but Viitalainen blocks with his arms.
Fitzpatrick looks gassed!
Fitzpatrick fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Viitalainen landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Viitalainen gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.

It looks like Mick Fitzpatrick has been cut.
A hook to the body from Viitalainen.
Viitalainen with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Viitalainen lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Viitalainen scores with a knee to the head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Viitalainen putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Fitzpatrick in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Knees to the body from Viitalainen.
Viitalainen working Fitzpatrick over with knees to the body.
Viitalainen lands a knee to the head.
Viitalainen lands with a short head shot on the inside.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jussi Viitalainen dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Mick Fitzpatrick's cut.
That's time! Viitalainen's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Viitalainen tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Nice uppercut there from Fitzpatrick.
Fitzpatrick tries for a takedown but Viitalainen sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Viitalainen lands with a right hand.
Fitzpatrick with a jab.
Fitzpatrick throws a lazy uppercut
and Viitalainen counters with a good low kick that Fitzpatrick was not able to check.
Fitzpatrick throws a lazy body kick
and Viitalainen counters with an outside leg kick.
Fitzpatrick throws an off balance right hand
and Viitalainen counters with a kick to the head that grazes his opponent. Fitzpatrick is lucky that one didn't land flush.
Viitalainen lands a nice leg kick that just misses Fitzpatrick's sensitive parts.
Fitzpatrick lands with a hook. Viitalainen tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Fitzpatrick throws an off balance right hand
and Viitalainen counters with a body kick that brings a smile to the face of both fighters.
Viitalainen just misses with a punch to the body.
Viitalainen plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Viitalainen, right into the meat.
Fitzpatrick attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Fitzpatrick misses with a double jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Viitalainen clinches.
Fitzpatrick is breathing heavily.
Viitalainen blocks the elbow strike.
Fitzpatrick on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
A head punch on the inside from Fitzpatrick fails to land.
Fitzpatrick has had enough of the clinch but Viitalainen keeps him there for the moment.
Viitalainen unloads a knee to the mid-section. Fitzpatrick lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
A knee to the head by Viitalainen.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Viitalainen obliges.
Fitzpatrick is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Viitalainen pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Fitzpatrick is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Jussi Viitalainen has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Mick Fitzpatrick.
Viitalainen landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Viitalainen landing knees to the body.
A knee to the head by Viitalainen.
Viitalainen lands an elbow that stopped Fitzpatrick in his tracks for a moment.
Viitalainen unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Knees to the body from Viitalainen.
Viitalainen comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Viitalainen with a knee to the head.
Viitalainen is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Viitalainen lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Viitalainen using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fitzpatrick tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Viitalainen's elbow.
Jussi Viitalainen has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Viitalainen landing knees to the body.
Fitzpatrick fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Fitzpatrick is trying to break free.
Fitzpatrick takes a knee right on the jaw!
Viitalainen with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.

That has opened up Mick Fitzpatrick's cut even more.
Viitalainen creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Fitzpatrick's defenses.
Fitzpatrick on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Viitalainen with a knee to the head.
Viitalainen looking to throw knees to the head but Fitzpatrick is blocking nicely.
Fitzpatrick on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Fitzpatrick looking for a takedown.
Fitzpatrick is struggling to control the position.
Viitalainen lands a nice uppercut.
Fitzpatrick is trying to break the clinch but Viitalainen is controlling him.
Fitzpatrick misses with the head strike.
Viitalainen lands an elbow that stopped Fitzpatrick in his tracks for a moment.
Fitzpatrick takes a knee to the side of the body.
Viitalainen gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Viitalainen is working Fitzpatrick over against the cage.
A short right from Fitzpatrick on the inside.
Fitzpatrick misses with some punches.
Viitalainen lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Viitalainen wants to stall.
Fitzpatrick trying to control the position but instead, Viitalainen has worked for underhooks and has pushed Fitzpatrick into the cage.
Fitzpatrick throws a punch but it's blocked by Viitalainen.
Viitalainen lands a nice shot to the body.
Fitzpatrick tries for a takedown but Viitalainen manages to get underhooks.
A knee to the head by Viitalainen.
Fitzpatrick misses with an elbow strike.
Viitalainen avoiding damage.
Fitzpatrick blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Viitalainen unloads a knee to the mid-section. Fitzpatrick lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
A head punch on the inside from Fitzpatrick fails to land.
Viitalainen comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Fitzpatrick is trying to stall.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fitzpatrick throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Viitalainens head.
Viitalainen tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Fitzpatrick avoids it.
Fitzpatrick tries a body shot but Viitalainen blocks it.
Viitalainen tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Fitzpatrick will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Viitalainen up against the cage.
Viitalainen unloads a knee to the mid-section. Fitzpatrick lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Fitzpatrick is trying to push Viitalainen away but Viitalainen has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Viitalainen misses with a knee to the head.
Viitalainen lands a nice knee to the body.
Fitzpatrick trying to control the position but instead, Viitalainen has worked for underhooks and has pushed Fitzpatrick into the cage.
Fitzpatrick misses with a knee strike.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Fitzpatrick lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Fitzpatrick drops down looking for an ankle pick but Viitalainen pulls his leg out and moves away.
Mick Fitzpatrick seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Fitzpatrick misses with a two punch combination.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jussi Viitalainen dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Mick Fitzpatrick's cut.
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. This is the final round!

Viitalainen tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Fitzpatrick tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Viitalainen was well out of range. Poor timing from Fitzpatrick.
A head kick by Fitzpatrick misses
enabling Viitalainen to counter with a crisp jab.

Fitzpatrick drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Fitzpatrick in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
Fitzpatrick looking to control but instead Viitalainen has slipped a leg in, to regain half guard.
Viitalainen keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Fitzpatrick is trying to control. Viitalainen wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fitzpatrick throwing shots but Viitalainen is blocking nicely.
Fitzpatrick throws a strike but Viitalainen avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Fitzpatrick looking to pass the guard.
Fitzpatrick wants to control from the top but Viitalainen keeps moving.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Fitzpatrick passes into half guard.
Fitzpatrick with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.

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.
Jussi Viitalainen is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Fitzpatrick thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Viitalainen's head.
Viitalainen pushes Fitzpatrick off looking to stand but Fitzpatrick dives back in and keeps control.
Viitalainen avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Fitzpatrick.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Fitzpatrick is looking to take a break and control but Viitalainen is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Mick Fitzpatrick has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
Viitalainen throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
That kick from Viitalainen tenderised Fitzpatrick's leg. Fitzpatrick is trying to keep his angry face on.
Fitzpatrick misses with a kick to the body
and Viitalainen counters with a body kick that brings a smile to the face of both fighters.
Viitalainen fails in his attempt to clinch.
Fitzpatrick throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Viitalainen on the side of the head.
Fitzpatrick looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Fitzpatrick lands a jab to Viitalainen's midsection.
Fitzpatrick throws a sloppy body shot
and Viitalainen counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Fitzpatrick misses with a combination
and Viitalainen counters with a thumping low kick.
Mick Fitzpatrick has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
No luck for Fitzpatrick with that takedown attempt.
Fitzpatrick with a nice cross.
Fitzpatrick throws a head kick that misses.
Fitzpatrick misses with an uppercut

and Viitalainen moves into the clinch.
Viitalainen is pressed up against the cage. Fitzpatrick has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Viitalainen down to the mat. Viitalainen avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Fitzpatrick misses with a lunging right hand
and Viitalainen counters with a solid body kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Viitalainen slips under a jab.
Viitalainen throws out a powerful jab.
Fitzpatrick throws a body kick the misses
and Viitalainen counters with a straight right hand.
Viitalainen avoids the body shot from Fitzpatrick.
Fitzpatrick on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Fitzpatrick takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Fitzpatrick throws a sloppy head kick and Viitalainen moves out of range easily.
Jussi Viitalainen is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

Fitzpatrick throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Viitalainen tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Fitzpatrick is in Viitalainen's guard.
Fitzpatrick stops Viitalainen from standing up.
Fitzpatrick trying to control but Viitalainen is working from the bottom.
Viitalainen can't keep his opponent in guard - Fitzpatrick advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Viitalainen looks like he's trying to stand up.

And that's the end of the fight!
Mick Fitzpatrick comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Viitalainen 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 Marco Blurström scores the fight 29:28
Judge Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 29:28
Judge Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jussi Viitalainen!