PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between John Matrix (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Per Saukko (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The atmosphere really building for this one as we go over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Matrix
vs
Saukko

200 cm
22
280 lbs
9 - 2 - 0

192 cm
26
272 lbs
10 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

Crimson Supplements($50 159 Recovery)

Gilop®

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, John Matrix!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Per Saukko!
The judges for this bout are Radbod Blank, Nard Betker and Albert Achterberg.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Saukko slips under a jab from Matrix.
A looping hook to the body misses from Matrix. Saukko does a little dance to reset his feet.
Matrix moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Matrix throws a head kick that Saukko semi-blocks.
Matrix misses with a lunging right hand
and Saukko counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Saukko misses with a wild body shot.
Matrix goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Saukko is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Matrix.
Saukko is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Saukko wants to clinch.
Matrix throws a head kick that Saukko semi-blocks.
Matrix pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Matrix scores with a jab to the body.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Matrix lunges at Saukko with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Saukko's hand.
Saukko throws a jab when Matrix was well out of range.
Matrix fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Saukko looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.

Matrix shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Saukko napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Saukko manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Matrix is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Saukko tries to get to full guard but Matrix has control of the leg.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Matrix stands, ready to strike. The ref makes him back up and allows Saukko to get to his feet.
Matrix lands with a kick to the temple. Saukko shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"

Saukko gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Saukko lands a body shot in the clinch.
Matrix swings wildly with an uppercut but Saukko uses good head movement to avoid it.
Matrix goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Matrix creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.

Matrix breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Danga de danga de dang - Saukko scores with a four punch combination!
Saukko misses with a looping right.
Saukko shoots in for a takedown but Matrix shows good takedown defense.
Saukko getting the better of the striking in that exchange.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A solid leg kick lands there for Matrix.
Saukko is looking to clinch but Matrix is avoiding it.
Matrix throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Saukko stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Matrix looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Saukko throws a sloppy head kick and Matrix moves out of range easily.
Matrix slips a straight right by Saukko.
Saukko uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
A looping hook to the body misses from Saukko. Matrix does a little dance to reset his feet.

Saukko throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Matrix was covering up waiting for the punch and Saukko finishes the takedown easily into guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Matrix trying to control the position here.
Saukko trying to control but Matrix is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Matrix looking for a sweep. Not yet Matrix, not yet.
Matrix controlling the position.
Saukko is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.

We're going to have a standup here because John Matrix wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
Matrix with a hook.
Saukko fails with the takedown.
Saukko shoots in looking for a takedown. Matrix tries to sprawl out of it but Saukko keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Matrix manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
John Matrix has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Per Saukko.
Saukko wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.

Saukko has closed the distance and engaged Matrix in a clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Matrix.
Matrix lands a nice shot to the body.
Matrix drops down looking for an ankle pick but Saukko pulls his leg out and moves away.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Saukko has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Matrix.
Matrix swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Saukko walks into a left hand.
Saukko avoids the body shot from Matrix.
Matrix tries a head kick but it misses.
Saukko uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Matrix.
Matrix is looking to wear down Saukko with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Saukko checks a leg kick.
Matrix dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Saukko. That did some damage!
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Saukko wants to clinch.

Matrix shoots in and gets a takedown into Saukko's guard.
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!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Matrix trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Matrix is looking to stand up but Saukko won't let him.
Matrix looking to pass the guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

John Matrix dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Matrix has taken the fight to the clinch.
Matrix has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Saukko is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Matrix has Saukko pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Saukko manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Saukko blocks a punch to the side of the head.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Matrix misses with a short punch on the inside.
Saukko drops down looking for an ankle pick but Matrix pulls his leg out and moves away.

Matrix rushes Saukko and presses him up against the cage.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Matrix misses with the head strike.
Saukko goes for a takedown in the clinch but Matrix prevents it.
Saukko stops a takedown attempt from Matrix.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for John Matrix. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Matrix misses with some punches.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Matrix breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

Saukko darts in and clinches Matrix up against the cage.
Saukko wants a takedown.
Matrix lands a right hand.
Matrix stops a takedown attempt from Saukko.

Matrix breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Matrix missing with a left hand there. Saukko was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Saukko closes the distance and clinches up with Matrix, looking for a takedown. Saukko pushes Matrix against the cage but Matrix circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Saukko tries to score a power double leg takedown but Matrix sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Saukko somewhat.
Matrix stuns Saukko with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Saukko is breathing heavily.
A clash of legs there as Saukko blocks the low kick.
Matrix keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Saukko.
Saukko misses with a body punch
enabling Matrix to counter with a crisp jab.
Saukko displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Matrix throws out the jab.
Saukko shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Matrix but Matrix pushes him off and we're back to square one.

Matrix closes the distance and clinches.
Saukko is working for takedown but Matrix is calmly controlling the position for now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Saukko prevents a takedown attempt there.
Matrix throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Saukkos head.
Saukko changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Matrix fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Saukko throws a left and a right that both miss
and Matrix connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Matrix fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Saukko on the side of the head.
Saukko connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Matrix cracks Saukko with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Matrix scores with a punch to the head.
Saukko loads up on a big right hand but Matrix slips the punch.
Matrix lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Matrix throws out a powerful jab.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Saukko throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Saukko ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Saukko tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Saukko throws a jab when Matrix was well out of range.
Saukko walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Matrix lands a lovely overhand right.
Saukko shoots in for a takedown but Matrix shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Saukko is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Saukko chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Matrix can pounce on him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Matrix uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Matrix digs a good hook to Saukko's body.
Matrix lands a head kick!
Saukko has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Matrix.
The crowd cheers as Matrix lands an impressive looking overhand right. Saukko doesn't seem phased though.

Matrix has closed the distance and engaged Saukko in a clinch.
Saukko looking to stall.

Matrix breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Matrix tries a head kick but it misses.
Saukko looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
John Matrix seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Matrix misses with a wild combination.
Saukko lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Matrix circles away quickly and effectively.
Matrix fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Nice straight punches there by Matrix. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Matrix.
Matrix stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Matrix wants it to stay on the feet.
Saukko ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Matrix moves away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Matrix lands with a thumping leg kick.
A lazy left from Matrix finds it's target.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Matrix moves out of range as Saukko strikes.
Saukko tries to clinch but Matrix moves out of range.
Matrix scores with a jab.
Matrix scores with a jab.
Matrix ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Matrix throws a quick inside leg kick.
Matrix throws a head kick but Saukko moves out of range.
Saukko doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Matrix paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Matrix throws a sloppy head kick and Saukko moves out of range easily.
Matrix shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Saukko eats them both and turns towards Matrix to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
Matrix closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Matrix scores with a one two! Saukko had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Matrix looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Matrix is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Matrix scores with a punch to the head.
Saukko takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Nice shot by Matrix.
Matrix throws a nice outside leg kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

John Matrix dominated that second round.
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.

Ouch! a nice leg kick from Matrix, right into the meat.
Matrix will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Saukko has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Matrix lands the left hand.
Saukko's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.

Matrix closes the distance and pushes Saukko back into the cage.
Matrix lands with a short shot to the head.
Matrix prevents a takedown attempt there.
Matrix lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Matrix works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.

Matrix is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Saukko can't fight it off and eventually Matrix manages to take the fight to the floor. Saukko looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Matrix distracts Saukko with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Saukko takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
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!

Matrix stands up and waves to Saukko to follow him.
Matrix walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Matrix throws a nice looking combination but Saukko bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Saukko takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Matrix scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Matrix lands with a nice body punch.
Saukko throws a jab when Matrix was well out of range.

Saukko shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Matrix is looking to control Saukko's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Matrix avoid being mounted?
Matrix is holding on to half guard well.
Saukko is looking to take a break and control but Matrix is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Matrix wants to improve his position but Saukko is controlling well.
Matrix moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Matrix manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Saukko manages to get himself to full guard.
Saukko bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Matrix's guard.
Saukko wants to control from the top but Matrix keeps moving.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Matrix is looking to stand up but Saukko isn't so interested in that idea.
Saukko trying to control the position from guard on top but Matrix is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Matrix is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Matrix is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Saukko is trying to control but can't.
Saukko manages to get to full guard.
Saukko working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Matrix.
Saukko keeping moving, preventing Matrix from controlling successfully.
Matrix tries to free his leg and advance position but Saukko is retaining full guard.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Matrix wants to stand but Saukko has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

John Matrix clearly takes that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Saukko lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Saukko with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Matrix to score with a decent uppercut.

Matrix has closed the distance and engaged Saukko in a clinch.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Matrix.
Saukko blocks a punch to the side of the head.

Saukko's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Saukko throws a lazy head kick
and Matrix counters with a low kick, right behind Saukko 's knee.
A shot to the liver by Matrix. Beautiful body shot.
Matrix connects with the punch.

Saukko gets tackled into the cage by Matrix. Matrix maintains the clinch.
John Matrix has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Matrix pushes Saukko back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Matrix has Saukko pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Saukko manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Saukko wants a takedown.

Matrix breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Saukko tries to land a leg kick but Matrix saw it coming and moves away.
Saukko fails with a takedown attempt.
Saukko misses with a leg kick
and Matrix connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Saukko is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Matrix misses with a head kick.
Some wild striking there from Saukko.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saukko scores with the left hand. Matrix knows he should have avoided that one.
Matrix misses the jab.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Matrix.
Matrix digs a good body shot into Saukko's ribs.
Saukko changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Saukko moves in looking to clinch but Matrix pushes him off.
Matrix with a nice cross.
Matrix slips under a jab.
Matrix takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Saukko swings widly with a right hand
and Matrix counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Matrix scores with a nice strike.
Saukko fails with a takedown attempt.
John Matrix has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Per Saukko.
Matrix feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Saukko's calf.
Saukko looks to land a combination. Matrix sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Saukko keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Matrix is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Saukko can do to turn this around?
Matrix misses with a double jab.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Matrix thows a body shot but no joy.

Matrix clinches up against the cage.
Matrix slows down the pace here.
Saukko tries to throw a body punch but Matrix avoids it by throwing Saukko back against the cage.

Matrix tightens his grip and picks Saukko up, before dumping him to the ground. Saukko manages to land in guard.
Saukko avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Matrix wants to get up but he can't break Saukko's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.

Matrix got a little sloppy there for a moment and Saukko has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Matrix has managed to get both his arms back between Saukko's legs - danger averted.
John Matrix overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

Saukko is working an open guard so Matrix takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Saukko throws a nice looking combination but Matrix bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Matrix circles away from the clinch attempt.
Matrix ducks under a wild hook from Saukko.
Saukko on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Matrix misses with a wild combination.
Nice body punch from Matrix.
A punch combination from Saukko misses.
Matrix throws a right and a left that Saukko avoids nicely.
Matrix stuffs the takedown attempt from Saukko. Saukko gets slowly back to his feet.
Matrix keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Saukko.
John Matrix is winning the standup battle so far.
A swing and a miss from Matrix.

Saukko moves into the clinch.
Matrix gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Saukko.
Saukko tries for a takedown but Matrix manages to get underhooks.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.

Matrix escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
A good leg kick by Matrix.
Saukko takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Matrix throws a sloppy head kick and Saukko moves out of range easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Saukko throws a right hand that Matrix ducks under and follows up with a left that Matrix also avoids with ease.
Matrix lands with a nice combination. Saukko backs away looking to recover.
Saukko misses the body punch
and Matrix counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Matrix's corner calls for a 1,2 combination and Matrix duly obliges.
Matrix swings and misses with a hook to the body.
A nice inside leg kick there by Saukko. That's going to slow Matrix down.
Matrix fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Saukko.
Horrible takedown by Matrix or perhaps it was just good defense by Saukko which made him look bad.
Saukko is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Matrix thuds a left hand into Saukko's body.
Saukko shoots in and drives through. Matrix sprawls well.
Matrix takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Matrix throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Matrix tries a head kick but it misses.
Matrix pushes Saukko away with a front kick.

Matrix shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Oh and he's advanced to full mount straight away.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Saukko is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

John Matrix had his way with Per Saukko in that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Saukko checks a leg kick.
Saukko throws a series of punches but Matrix avoids them all with ease.
Matrix shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Saukko as he jumps to the side.
Matrix avoids a punch combination nicely.
Matrix fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Saukko has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Saukko rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Matrix connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
A right-left combo lands from Matrix.
Saukko throws out a leg kick but Matrix moves out of range and Saukko only half commits.
Saukko lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Matrix looks to score with a jab to the body but Saukko is just out of range.
Saukko has a takedown stuffed.
Saukko on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Saukko throws an overhand right that lands on Matrix's shoulder, as Matrix tries to avoid the shot.
A head kick misses from Matrix.
Matrix throws a right hand that Saukko ducks under and follows up with a left that Saukko also avoids with ease.

Saukko darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Saukko is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saukko works his way into full mount!
Saukko misses with a series of strikes from mount. He'll no doubt be working on his ground and pound when he gets back to the gym.
Matrix is working to get back to half guard.
Saukko sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Matrix tries to reverse the position but Saukko maintains control.
Saukko throwing sloppy strikes here. Perhaps if he tightened up his striking from such a dominant position, he'd be able to finish easier.
Saukko takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Saukko wants to control the pace but Matrix is squirming around nicely.
Matrix is wriggling around trying to escape.
Saukko dominating with strikes here.
Saukko can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Matrix is looking to escape.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Matrix is looking to improve his position but Saukko isn't that keen on the idea.
Saukko wants to control the pace but Matrix is squirming around nicely.
Per Saukko has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
John Matrix is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Matrix wants to control but Saukko is having none of it.
Matrix is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Saukko is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Saukko can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Matrix is looking to escape.
Saukko punching from mount but Matrix doing a good job of avoiding damage.
Matrix tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Matrix blocking the ground and pound.
Matrix blocking the ground and pound.

Saukko jumps to the side looking to secure the arm triangle…. Ooooh, that looks tight… Matrix is gargling but he's managed to escape! Nice work there by Matrix and Saukko has given up the dominant position trying to land that submission.

And that's the end of the fight!
Per Saukko comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Matrix 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Radbod Blank scores the fight 49:45
Judge Nard Betker scores the fight 49:46
Judge Albert Achterberg scores the fight 49:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... John Matrix!
John Matrix retains his heavyweight title!