PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Karl Spatz (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Teppo Tuhkasaari (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying Tuhkasaari's choice of entrance music: Proteus - Full Metal Jacket. Karl Spatz has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.

Spatz
vs
Tuhkasaari

175 cm
27
157 lbs
9 - 9 - 0

164 cm
27
147 lbs
18 - 6 - 1

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

ADCC Champion
Excellent MT
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Karl Spatz!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 18 - 6 - 1, fighting out of Amsterdam, Teppo Tuhkasaari!
The judges for this bout are Arvi Lind, Anni Minnemäki and Ben Zyskovitsi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Tuhkasaari checks a low kick from Spatz.
Spatz fails with an attempt to clinch.
Spatz steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Tuhkasaari. That one must have hurt.

Spatz forces Tuhkasaari back against the cage and clinches.
Tuhkasaari tries a body shot but Spatz blocks it.
Spatz lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Spatz throws a punch but it's blocked by Tuhkasaari.
Spatz misses with some punches.
Tuhkasaari tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Spatz's elbow.
Spatz is trying to drag Tuhkasaari to the mat but Tuhkasaari just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Spatz goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Tuhkasaari.
Tuhkasaari lands an uppercut.

Tuhkasaari drags the fight down to the ground.

Tuhkasaari is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Tuhkasaari looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Spatz passes into half guard.
Spatz is nestled in close to Tuhkasaari, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Spatz seems to be working for a kimura but Tuhkasaari defends the submission attempt.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Tuhkasaari has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Spatz is working away from the top position though.

Tuhkasaari actively working from the bottom here.
Spatz throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Tuhkasaari avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Spatz.

Spatz is working for a kimura but Tuhkasaari is defending it quite comfortably.
Tuhkasaari is trying to maintain the position but Spatz is very close to passing his half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tuhkasaari slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Spatz pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Tuhkasaari is keeping the position for now.
Spatz trying to control the position from guard on top but Tuhkasaari is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Spatz wants to pass the guard but Tuhkasaari is keeping the position.
Tuhkasaari is trying to keep Spatz in close.
Tuhkasaari keeping moving, preventing Spatz from controlling successfully.

Tuhkasaari has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Spatz can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Spatz will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tuhkasaari keeping moving, preventing Spatz from controlling successfully.
Tuhkasaari is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Spatz is trying to get back to full guard.
Tuhkasaari lands strikes from half guard.
Spatz is trying to stand back up but Tuhkasaari is controlling him
Spatz is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Tuhkasaari scores with a couple of nice shots.
Tuhkasaari trying to pass the guard but Spatz defending well.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Spatz is refusing to be controlled, as Tuhkasaari sits in half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tuhkasaari is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Tuhkasaari uses his free foot to push down on Spatz's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Spatz.
Tuhkasaari lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Spatz wants to control but Tuhkasaari is having none of it.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Tuhkasaari scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish Spatz?
Tuhkasaari thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Teppo Tuhkasaari dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Spatz throws a series of punches but Tuhkasaari avoids them all with ease.
Spatz swinging wildly here.
Spatz tries to clinch up but Tuhkasaari circles away and keeps his distance.
Spatz walks into a straight right hand from Tuhkasaari.
Tuhkasaari fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Spatz manages to avoid it.
Tuhkasaari fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Spatz misses with a double jab.
Tuhkasaari stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Tuhkasaari has his takedown stuffed
and Spatz makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Spatz throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Tuhkasaari.
Spatz blocks a head kick by Tuhkasaari.
Tuhkasaari circles away from the clinch attempt.
Tuhkasaari chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Tuhkasaari throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.

Spatz instigates a clinch.
Tuhkasaari goes for a takedown attempt but Spatz pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Spatz thows a leg kick but Tuhkasaari checks it
and Tuhkasaari counters with a good, hard body kick but Spatz shrugs it off.
Tuhkasaari scores with a leg kick.
Karl Spatz seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Tuhkasaari takes a swing at Spatz's ribcage but misses.
Tuhkasaari circles away from the clinch attempt.
Tuhkasaari throws a quick inside leg kick.
Spatz fails to land the takedown.
Tuhkasaari digs a good hook to Spatz's body.
Spatz tried to score with a low kick but Tuhkasaari checks it.
Tuhkasaari swats away the attempt to clinch by Spatz.
Some bone on bone action there as Tuhkasaari checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Spatz fails in his attempt to clinch.
Tuhkasaari lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Tuhkasaari throws a shot to the body.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

Tuhkasaari instigates a clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Spatz tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Tuhkasaari's elbow.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Tuhkasaari.
A short uppercut from Tuhkasaari.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
A short left from Spatz.
Spatz is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Tuhkasaari struggles to land a body shot inside as Spatz controls his hands.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Spatz.
Tuhkasaari lands a right hand.
Spatz tries to throw a body punch but Tuhkasaari avoids it by throwing Spatz back against the cage.

Tuhkasaari's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

Tuhkasaari closes the distance and clinches.
Spatz blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Tuhkasaari throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Spatzs head.
Spatz doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Good body shot from Tuhkasaari.
Tuhkasaari misses with some punches.
Spatz lands with a short punch from the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tuhkasaari tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Spatz's elbow.
Tuhkasaari lands a hook to the side of the head.
Spatz misses with a punch to the body.
Spatz misses with the head strike.
Tuhkasaari misses with a punch on the inside.
Spatz gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Tuhkasaari.
Karl Spatz has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Teppo Tuhkasaari.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Spatz.
Come on Spatz - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Tuhkasaari lands a left hand that snaps the head of Spatz backwards.
Tuhkasaari throws a head punch that misses.
Spatz can't find room to land a body shot as Tuhkasaari controls the action.
Tuhkasaari misses with a hook to the ribs.
Tuhkasaari working aggressively here.
Spatz throws a head punch that misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Spatz lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Spatz tries a body shot but Tuhkasaari blocks it.
Tuhkasaari doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Spatz throws a head punch that misses.
A left hand lands to the body for Tuhkasaari.
Tuhkasaari gets through Spatz's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Spatz tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Spatz misses with a punch to the body.
Spatz tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Tuhkasaari's elbow.
Spatz tries a body shot but Tuhkasaari blocks it.
Tuhkasaari blocking some punches.
Tuhkasaari pushes Spatz back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Spatz working aggressively here.
Tuhkasaari lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Teppo Tuhkasaari seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Tuhkasaari is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Tuhkasaari jumps guard but Spatz turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Tuhkasaari takes a shot to the head.
Tuhkasaari lands with a short shot to the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Teppo Tuhkasaari showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Spatz is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Tuhkasaari keeps the fight on the outside.
Spatz takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Tuhkasaari misses the shot to the body.
Spatz throws a combination that misses
and Tuhkasaari counters with a straight right hand.
Spatz misses the shot to the body.

Tuhkasaari clinches with his opponent.
Spatz tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Tuhkasaari lands a hook that snaps the head of Spatz backwards.
Tuhkasaari lands a hook to the side of the head.
Spatz blocks a body shot from Tuhkasaari.
Spatz throws a punch but it's blocked by Tuhkasaari.
Tuhkasaari cracks Spatz with a nice body shot.
Tuhkasaari tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Spatz just stands there and leans against the cage.
Spatz lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Tuhkasaari backwards.
Spatz gets through Tuhkasaari's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Tuhkasaari lands a right hand that snaps the head of Spatz backwards.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tuhkasaari misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Tuhkasaari blocks a body shot from Spatz.
Spatz tries to work over Tuhkasaari's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Tuhkasaari wants to break the clinch but can't.
Tuhkasaari misses with some punches.
Tuhkasaari avoids the elbow strike from Spatz, against the cage.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Spatz creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.

Tuhkasaari works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard.
Tuhkasaari sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Spatz's guard.
Spatz is trying to escape back to his feet but Tuhkasaari uses the scramble to pass into side control.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
You can see the frustration on Spatz's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Tuhkasaari tries to move to mount but Spatz blocks the move with his legs.
Karl Spatz has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tuhkasaari is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Spatz wants to control but Tuhkasaari postures up.

Tuhkasaari wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Spatz, who protects the arm well.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Tuhkasaari cracks Spatz with an elbow. That is naaassty.
Spatz takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.

Spatz explodes and escapes back to his feet! Nice escape there!
Karl Spatz is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Tuhkasaari fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Spatz.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Spatz takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.

Spatz has Tuhkasaari up against the cage in a clinch.
Spatz scores with a shot to the side of Tuhkasaari's head.
Spatz blocks a couple of punches on the inside.

Tuhkasaari has clasped his hands together around Spatz's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.
Tuhkasaari wants to lay and pray for a moment but Spatz keeps working.
Spatz wants to get back to his feet.
Spatz is not in a great position here, taking some shots.
Tuhkasaari slips into full mount, dodging the strikes by Spatz.
Spatz swinging wildly from the bottom but he's not landing.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tuhkasaari fakes a shot to the body and cracks his opponent in the head. Nice ground and pound there!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A nice elbow there by Tuhkasaari.
Spatz regains half guard.
Spatz on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Spatz taking some punishment here, with Tuhkasaari in his half guard.

Tuhkasaari is looking for a kimura but Spatz is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Tuhkasaari to get the leverage.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Tuhkasaari trying to control from half guard but Spatz is working away.

Spatz is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Tuhkasaari pulls his head out easily.

And that's the end of the fight!
Teppo Tuhkasaari comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Tuhkasaari has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Arvi Lind scores the fight 27:30
Judge Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 27:30
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Teppo Tuhkasaari!
During a confident post fight interview, Teppo Tuhkasaari thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.