PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Matti Kuusela (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Gustavo Artur (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). 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.

Kuusela
vs
Artur

187 cm
24
190 lbs
12 - 6 - 1

200 cm
28
215 lbs
10 - 3 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Solid boxing
Very strong

Good wrestler
Lethal high kicks
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 6 - 1, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Matti Kuusela!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Gustavo Artur!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Cesar, Edson Gomes and Emerson Jorge.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Artur connects with a right hand. Kuusela shakes it off.
Artur throws a sloppy head kick

so Kuusela counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Artur wants to get back to his feet but Kuusela is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Kuusela is looking to work some ground and pound but Artur has wrist control.
Kuusela throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Artur has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Kuusela loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Kuusela stopping the sweep attempt from Artur.
Kuusela is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Kuusela prevents Artur from getting back to his feet.
Artur really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Kuusela. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Kuusela lands a couple of decent looking shots.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuusela is looking to advance position but Artur has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount!
Kuusela manages to regain half guard. Good work.
Artur stalling.
Artur wants to stand up but Kuusela manages to regain full guard.

Kuusela looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Artur trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Kuusela is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

Kuusela is looking for a triangle but Artur pushes his legs off easily.
Kuusela looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Artur stays in close to Kuusela's body and controls the position.

Artur stands over his opponent and dives in with a flying punch! Kuusela throws up his legs and catches Artur in a triangle! Oh this looks tight! Artur tries to escape but he's forced to tap! Wow, fantastic work there by Kuusela! That came out of nowhere!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle Choke). Matti Kuusela!
Matti Kuusela retains his light heavyweight title!