PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Matti Kuusela (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Slade Wilson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Matti Kuusela has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Kuusela
vs
Wilson

187 cm
25
190 lbs
15 - 6 - 1

180 cm
22
215 lbs
6 - 2 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Excellent boxer
Very strong

Good wrestler
Good kicks
Good gas tank

Garra Suplementos (EnergyQ150 10$)
Garra Suplementos (EnergyQ150 10$)

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 15 - 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 6 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Slade Wilson!
The judges for this bout are Luis Engracia, Alexandre Firmino and Mauricio Rocha.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Wilson connects with a leg kick. Kuusela looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Matti Kuusela seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Wilson wants to land a leg kick but Kuusela is out of range.
Kuusela bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Kuusela moves out of range of the body kick.
Kuusela closes the distance looking to clinch

and Wilson holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Wilson misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Kuusela.
Kuusela goes for a takedown in the clinch but Wilson prevents it.
Come on Wilson - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Wilson misses with the head strike.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kuusela on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Wilson misses with the head strike.
Wilson gets underhooks to prevent Kuusela's takedown attempt.
Wilson throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Kuusela blocks it with crossed arms.
Kuusela takes a knee right on the jaw!

It looks like Matti Kuusela has been cut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Wilson throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Kuusela blocks it with crossed arms.
Kuusela is trying to drag Wilson to the mat but Wilson just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Matti Kuusela. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Wilson tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kuusela's elbow.
Wilson missing with knees to the body.
Kuusela drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Wilson gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Wilson gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Kuusela.
Wilson misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Kuusela.
Kuusela is working for takedown but Wilson is calmly controlling the position for now.
Kuusela goes for a takedown attempt but Wilson pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.

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.
Kuusela misses with a takedown
and Wilson counters with a nice kick to the body.
Kuusela tries to grapple but his opponent circles

and Wilson counters by moving into the clinch.
Wilson stops a takedown attempt from Kuusela.
Wilson lands a nice knee to the body.
Kuusela is breathing heavily.
Wilson missing with knees to the body.
The referee calls for Wilson to work.
Wilson unloads a knee to the mid-section. Kuusela lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Still in the clinch, Wilson scores with a nice short uppercut.
A bit of stalling here from Wilson.
Wilson is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Kuusela is defending well for now.
A knee to the head by Wilson.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Wilson is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Kuusela is defending well for now.
Wilson misses with a short punch on the inside.
Wilson works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Wilson unloads a knee to the mid-section.

Wilson breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Slade Wilson is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Jab by Wilson.
Wilson throws out a powerful jab.
Wilson scores with a body shot.
Wilson throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Wilson tries to land a front kick but Kuusela steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Kuusela avoids the head kick by Wilson.
Wilson fakes the leg kick and cracks Kuusela in the body.
Wilson throws a push kick but Kuusela slaps the foot to one side.
Wilson cracks the inside of Kuusela's front leg.
Wilson misses the shot to the body.
Wilson tries to land a front kick but Kuusela steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Wilson throws a hard body shot but it just misses.

Wilson gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kuusela takes an elbow to the forehead.
Wilson's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Wilson scores with a knee to the head.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Wilson takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Wilson trying to land knees to the body.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Wilson trying to land knees to the body.
Wilson controlling the action here for a moment.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Slade Wilson dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Matti Kuusela's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

Kuusela keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Matti Kuusela is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Wilson has closed the distance and engaged Kuusela in a clinch.
Wilson landing knees to the head.
Wilson trying to land knees to the body.
Wilson tries to break free but Kuusela pushes him back against the cage.
Wilson throws an elbow that misses.
Kuusela has Wilson pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Wilson manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Kuusela wants a takedown.
Wilson fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Kuusela blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kuusela tries for a takedown but Wilson manages to get underhooks.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Matti Kuusela. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Wilson trying to land knees to the body.
Wilson throws a head punch that misses.
Wilson throws a knee to the head but misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuusela avoiding damage as Wilson throws knees to the body.
Wilson using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Kuusela has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Wilson missing with knees to the body.
Kuusela is working for takedown but Wilson is calmly controlling the position for now.
Kuusela managing to block the knees to the body from Wilson.
Kuusela has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Wilson is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Knees in the clinch landing for Wilson.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Kuusela blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Wilson is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Kuusela is defending well for now.
A hook to the body from Wilson.
Wilson stalls.
Wilson digs a right hand into Kuusela's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Kuusela's gas tank.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kuusela blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Kuusela is trying to drag Wilson to the mat but Wilson just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Wilson stalls.
Wilson receives a warning from the referee for stalling.
Wilson tries to land knees in the clinch but Kuusela avoids the damage to the body.
Wilson misses with a punch to the body.
Kuusela is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Kuusela keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Wilson's efforts to push away.
Wilson tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kuusela's elbow.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Wilson tries to land knees in the clinch but Kuusela avoids the damage to the body.
Wilson trying to land knees to the body.
Kuusela wants a takedown but no success here.
Kuusela has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Wilson avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Wilson tries a knee to the head but Kuusela blocks it.
Wilson lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Wilson looking to throw knees to the head but Kuusela is blocking nicely.
Kuusela is trying to drag Wilson to the mat but Wilson just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Wilson working Kuusela over with knees to the body.
Wilson is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Kuusela is defending well for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wilson stops a takedown attempt from Kuusela.
Slade Wilson seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Wilson throws an elbow that misses.
Kuusela blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Wilson using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Kuusela has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Wilson pushes off an throws an elbow but Kuusela leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Kuusela has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Wilson is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Wilson just leaning against Kuusela, taking a breather.
Kuusela goes for a takedown in the clinch but Wilson prevents it.
Kuusela takes an elbow to the forehead.
Kuusela is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Wilson pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Stalling in the clinch from Wilson.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Slade Wilson showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Matti Kuusela's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Wilson lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
A looping hook to the body misses from Wilson. Kuusela does a little dance to reset his feet.
Kuusela moves out of range of the body kick.
Kuusela keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Kuusela 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.
Wilson misses with a hook. Kuusela ducked under it nicely.
Kuusela shoots and misses
and Wilson counters with a straight right hand.

Wilson closes the distance and clinches.
Kuusela wants a takedown.
Wilson avoiding damage.
Wilson working Kuusela over with knees to the body.
Wilson has Kuusela pushed against the cage.

Wilson manages to break the clinch.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Wilson will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Kuusela has his takedown stuffed
and Wilson counters with a nice body kick.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Matti Kuusela. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A nice combination there by Wilson.
Wilson looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.

Wilson instigates a clinch.
Wilson throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Kuuselas head.
Wilson comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Wilson presses Kuusela against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Wilson tries to land a knee to the head but misses.

Wilson breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Wilson comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Wilson fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Wilson has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Wilson lands a nice hook to Kuusela's body. Kuusela takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Wilson misses with a head kick.
Wilson tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Wilson looks to land a combination but Kuusela avoids it well.
Wilson scores with a shot to the body.
Wilson lands with a kick to the ribs.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A good leg kick by Wilson.
Kuusela has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Wilson.
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!
Nice body kick from Wilson.
Wilson throws a sloppy head kick and Kuusela moves out of range easily.
Kuusela 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.
A nice inside leg kick there by Wilson. That's going to slow Kuusela down.
Wilson is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Kuusela rather than just go for the knockout.
Wilson lands a head kick. Kuusela smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Wilson scores with a head kick. Kuusela tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Wilson explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Wilson lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Kuusela backs up against the cage.

Wilson has taken the fight to the clinch.
Kuusela blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Wilson stalling in the clinch.
Wilson misses with a knee to the head.
Kuusela on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Wilson will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Kuusela up against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuusela tries for a takedown. No joy.
Wilson lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Wilson misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Kuusela.
Kuusela looking for a takedown.
Wilson tries to land knees in the clinch but Kuusela avoids the damage to the body.
Wilson using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Kuusela has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Wilson throws a head punch that misses.
Wilson tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Kuusela avoids it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Wilson lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Kuusela on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Kuusela avoiding damage as Wilson throws knees to the body.
Wilson crunches a lovely knee into Kuusela's ribcage.
Wilson makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.

Matti Kuusela's cut is getting worse.
Wilson throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Wilson lands a knee to the body.
Wilson misses with a knee strike.
Wilson is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Kuusela is defending well for now.
Kuusela being controlled against the cage.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Wilson tries a knee to the head but Kuusela blocks it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Slade Wilson really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Matti Kuusela's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Kuusela with a lazy takedown attempt
and Wilson counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.

Wilson darts in and clinches Kuusela up against the cage.
Kuusela avoids a wild elbow strike from Wilson.
Wilson connects with a nasty looking knee right to Kuusela's face.
The referee calls for Wilson to work.
Kuusela changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Wilson fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Kuusela stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Wilson.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Wilson lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Kuusela has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Kuusela and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Wilson tries to land a front kick but Kuusela steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Good leg kick by Wilson there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Kuusela misses with a takedown attempt
and Wilson counters with a series of strikes. Kuusela will be more careful next time no doubt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Matti Kuusela. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kuusela steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Wilson. That one must have hurt.
Wilson changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Wilson scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Kuusela doesn't seem bothered though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Wilson tries a head kick but it misses.
Wilson works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.

Kuusela is rocked!
Crack! Wilson connects with the perfect overhand right and Kuusela falls face first to the canvas. Timbeeeeeeeer! Beautiful knockout for Wilson!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:13 of round 4, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Slade Wilson!
Slade Wilson is the new light heavyweight champion!