PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Jon Fitch (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mikkel Kessler (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Fitch kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is rusty cage. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the ring.

Fitch
vs
Kessler

188 cm
18
170 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

185 cm
19
185 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
KO power

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Jon Fitch!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Mikkel Kessler!
The judges for this bout are Gwen Towbar, Alan Glass and Chris Downing.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Fitch feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.

Fitch gets to his feet. Kessler looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!

Fitch shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Kessler's guard.
Fitch connects with a couple of short punches.
Fitch passes Kessler's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Kessler really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Fitch. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Fitch content to control rather than advance.
Fitch has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
Fitch's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Fitch decides to stand up.
Kessler misses the jab.
Nice shot by Kessler.
Fitch looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Kessler is fending him off so far but Fitch persists. Nope, Kessler circles away and we're back to standing.
Fitch slips a jab from Kessler.
Kessler throws a leg kick but Fitch checks it.
Kessler swings for the body but Fitch moves out of range.
Kessler tries to clinch up.
Nice straight punches there by Kessler. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Kessler.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kessler keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Fitch.
Kessler misses with a jab, cross combination.

Fitch shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Kessler manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Fitch sitting in guard, not really doing much.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kessler can't keep his opponent in guard - Fitch advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Kessler is trying to maintain the position but Fitch is very close to passing his half guard.
Fitch seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Jon Fitch.
Nice shot lands for Kessler.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kessler lands with an uppercut that bounces Fitch off the ropes and back into range.
Kessler uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Fitch has time to react.
Kessler works the jab nicely.

Fitch is rocked!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kessler circles and sees the opportunity to plant his feet and throw a really nice straight left hand that drops Fitch to the canvas! Fitch doesn't know where he is but he's trying to survive - Kessler keeps piling on the pressure and forces the referee to step in! This one is aaaaaall over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:39 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Mikkel Kessler!
Mikkel Kessler looked relieved post fight as he said the following; 'Wow, I can't believe I won this fight. No one gave me a chance. I showed the Viking spirit and showed boxers can fight K-1. Thanks to my manager Chris Funkyama, I'd like to say a big thanks to my fans and most of all Throwdown for the opportunity. 3 and 1 baby.'.