PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Vinny Russo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jorma Uzi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Russo comes to the cage accompanied by Volbeat - The Human Instrument. Uzi is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by Brocken Limb. 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.

Russo
vs
Uzi

181 cm
27
185 lbs
14 - 4 - 1

178 cm
24
178 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

Powerful takedowns
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

GMMA Supplements 160
Conviction

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 14 - 4 - 1, fighting out of Amsterdam, Vinny Russo!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Jorma Uzi!
The judges for this bout are Johanna Lukiainen, Matti Vanhoillinen and Anni Minnemäki.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Russo misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Uzi.
Russo misses with a wild body shot.
Russo avoids the body shot from Uzi.
Russo avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Uzi misses the shot to the body.
Uzi bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.

It looks like Vinny Russo has been cut.
Russo thows a body shot but no joy.
A punch combination from Uzi misses.
Uzi throws a right hand that Russo ducks under and follows up with a left that Russo also avoids with ease.
Jorma Uzi seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Russo's jab looks to have found its range, popping Uzi under the eye.
Russo misses with a body shot.
Russo tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Uzi paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Uzi!
Russo moves out of range of the strikes.
Uzi gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Russo counters with a left to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Uzi lands a nice hook to Russo's body. Russo takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Russo scores with a slapping inside leg kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Uzi wants to clinch up but Russo keeps it at a distance.
A jab from Uzi misses.
Nice shot by Uzi.
Russo throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Uzi rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Russo counters with a slapping leg kick.
Uzi throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Russo misses with a head kick.
Russo lands a right hook to the body.
Russo takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Uzi takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Uzi swings for the body but Russo moves out of range.
Uzi scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Russo doesn't seem bothered though.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Russo lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Russo is looking to wear down Uzi with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Russo misses with a body shot.
Uzi throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Russo misses with a low kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Russo misses with a wild body shot.
Uzi misses with a hook.
Russo takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Russo looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Uzi pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Russo back to the cage. Uzi follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.
Uzi misses with a combination
and Russo makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Russo walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Uzi connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Russo ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Uzi moves away.
Russo looks to score with a jab to the body but Uzi is just out of range.
Russo thows a body shot but no joy.
Russo throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Uzi throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Russo is breathing heavily.
Russo checks a leg kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Uzi tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Russo was well out of range. Poor timing from Uzi.
Uzi with a nice cross.
Uzi throws a series of punches but Russo moves out of range.
Russo throws a looping overhand right but Uzi ducks down to avoid it.
Uzi looks to land a combination but Russo avoids it well.
Uzi checks a leg kick nicely.
Uzi lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!

Uzi looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into mount! Oh, that's bad for Russo!
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.

Uzi goes for an armbar but he's not got it… Russo turns into him and now he's in Uzi'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!
Uzi wants to hit a switch here but Russo passes into full mount! Oh no, disaster for Uzi there!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Russo landing strikes from the mount.
Russo scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish Uzi?
Uzi is in a horrible position here. Russo smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
Russo prevents Uzi from getting the reversal.
Russo has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Uzi is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Russo putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Uzi is desperately trying to improve his position but Russo has a good base and remains in mount.
Russo lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Jorma Uzi will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Vinny Russo's cut.
That's time! Russo's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Uzi looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Russo throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Uzi swings for the body but Russo moves out of range.
Russo ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Uzi moves away.
Russo misses the shot to the body.
Russo misses with a kick to the body.
Russo fakes the leg kick and cracks Uzi in the body.
Russo ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Uzi shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Russo counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Uzi swings widly with a right hand

and Russo counters with a single leg into guard. Uzi didn't expect that.
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!
Uzi working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Russo.

Uzi looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Uzi manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Russo manages to get himself to full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Uzi postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Russo is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Uzi, into his guard.

Uzi is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Uzi is breathing heavily.

Uzi looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Russo looking to pass the guard.

Uzi has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Russo can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Russo got a little sloppy there for a moment and Uzi has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Russo has managed to get both his arms back between Uzi's legs - danger averted.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Russo passes into half guard.
Russo lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Uzi is looking to improve his position.
Russo scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Russo not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Russo is nestled in close to Uzi, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Uzi looking for submissions off his back.
Uzi is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Russo scores with a couple of nice shots.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Uzi is looking for a sweep. Russo is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

Uzi looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Ground and pound from Russo.
Russo slips a nice elbow through Uzi's hands, connecting with Uzi's forehead.
Russo working the head and body with strikes.
Uzi is looking to improve his position.
Uzi is trying to stand back up but Russo is controlling him
Russo takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Russo winds up and cracks Uzi with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Russo not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Russo looks to score some points with some ground and pound.

Uzi looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Uzi is looking for a sweep. Russo is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Nice strikes from Russo there.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Uzi looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Russo scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Russo lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Uzi tries to roll over but Russo keeps him under control.

Uzi is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Russo pulls his head out easily.
Russo passes the guard and advances to mount!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Vinny Russo dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Vinny Russo's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Russo comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Uzi slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Uzi scores with the left hand. Russo knows he should have avoided that one.
Russo is looking to clinch.
Uzi tries to bum rush Russo with a series of wild strikes but Russo uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Uzi scores with a hook to the body. Russo takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Jorma Uzi is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Uzi slips under a jab from Russo.
Uzi is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Russo.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Russo.
Uzi takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Uzi shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Uzi takes a swing at Russo's ribcage but misses.
Nice shot lands for Uzi.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Uzi misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Russo.
Jorma Uzi seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Russo takes a swing at Uzi's ribcage but misses.
Russo throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Uzi swinging wildly here.
Russo scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Russo lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Uzi doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Russo counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Uzi takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Russo defending well as Uzi loads up on a big left hand.
Russo moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Uzi pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Uzi blocks a low kick nicely.
Russo throws a head kick that half lands.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Uzi throws out a loose jab but Russo uses good head movement to avoid it.
Russo lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
An inside leg kick from Russo misses.
Uzi looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Uzi misses with a body shot.
Uzi lands a nice shot that snaps Russo's head back.
Russo takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Russo throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Uzi lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Russo circles away quickly and effectively.
Uzi lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Uzi misses the shot to the body.
Russo dodges the punch combination from Uzi.
Sloppy strikes from Russo. Those never looked like landing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Russo ducks under a wild hook from Uzi.
Russo lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Uzi takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.

Uzi fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Russo sprawls well initially but Uzi persists and gets the takedown into half guard.

Uzi trying to work for an americana but Russo has managed to regain full guard.

Russo is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Uzi trying to control but Russo is working from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Uzi pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Russo is keeping the position for now.

Uzi drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Russo manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Uzi has Russo in his guard.
Russo distracts Uzi with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Uzi working away from the bottom but not quite defensive enough there because Russo has passed into half guard!
Uzi trying to control but Russo postures up.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Vinny Russo.
I think Russo 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 Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 28:29
Judge Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight 29:28
Judge Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Vinny Russo!
Vinny Russo took to the microphone after his victory and thanked his sponsors, Conviction for their support in the buildup to the fight.