PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Ismo Laitela (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Samoa Joe (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Joe has chosen Sitting Sideways as his entrance music. Samoa Joe will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Laitela
vs
Joe

180 cm
29
145 lbs
13 - 11 - 0

160 cm
25
146 lbs
14 - 3 - 1

Abu Dhabi Champ
Solid boxing
Very quick

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 13 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Ismo Laitela!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 14 - 3 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Samoa Joe!
The judges for this bout are Arvi Lind, Matti Vanhoillinen and Roosa Järviläinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Good exchange - Joe coming out on top.
Laitela shoots in looking for a takedown. Joe tries to sprawl out of it but Laitela keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Joe manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Joe wants to clinch.
Laitela lands a slapping body shot.
The fight stays on the outside here - Joe looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

Joe manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Laitela on his heels. He'll look to pass Laitela's guard now, I'm sure.

Laitela is rocked!
Joe must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Laitela utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Laitela is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Laitela will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Laitela utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Joe is looking to work some ground and pound but Laitela has wrist control.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Laitela manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Joe manages to get himself to full guard.
Joe wants to improve his position but instead Laitela has moved into half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Laitela is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Laitela is trying to control the action in half guard but Joe is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Joe wants to control but Laitela is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Laitela throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Joe wants to get back to full guard but Laitela has mounted him!
Joe is trying to escape the mount.

Laitela working to secure an arm triangle but it's not happening for him just yet.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Joe is working to get back to half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Joe is squirming around, avoiding Laitela's attempts to control the action.
Laitela really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Laitela takes Joe's back. Could be looking for a rear naked choke here - either way, Joe is in trouble.
Joe looking to stop the rear naked choke attempt by controlling the hands.
Joe is trying to break free.

Laitela is working for the choke. I would put my money on him to finish from this position. He's rolled onto his back and has dragged Joe with him. Joe is trying to defend but Laitela has an arm under the chin now! Joe grimaces and is forced to tap out!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:54 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Ismo Laitela!