PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Paul Baller (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Juhani Kontiovaara (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Baller might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Helicopter, made of meat!. Paul Baller has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.

Baller
vs
Kontiovaara

225 cm
32
275 lbs
20 - 19 - 0

193 cm
32
267 lbs
14 - 16 - 1

BJJ Brown Belt
Solid boxing
Very strong

BJJ Brown Belt
Decent boxing
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 20 - 19 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Paul Baller!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 14 - 16 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Juhani Kontiovaara!
The judges for this bout are Anni Minnemäki, Marco Blurström and Roosa Järviläinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Baller missing with a left hand there. Kontiovaara was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Kontiovaara throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Baller lands a nice shot to the body.
Kontiovaara avoids the body shot from Baller.
Baller connects with a nice looking jab.

Kontiovaara closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.

Baller is defending against the submission attempts here by Kontiovaara.
Baller tries to get to full guard but Kontiovaara has control of the leg.

Kontiovaara is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Baller sees it coming and defends easily.

Kontiovaara seems to be looking for submissions.
Kontiovaara lands strikes from half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Baller wants to improve his position but Kontiovaara is controlling well.

Kontiovaara is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Baller doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Kontiovaara.
Baller wants to improve his position but Kontiovaara is controlling well.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Kontiovaara is trying to work for a kimura but Baller is defending well.
Baller blocking the ground and pound attempt from Kontiovaara.
Baller wants to improve his position but Kontiovaara is controlling well.
Kontiovaara wants to free his trapped foot but Baller is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Baller is pressing down on Kontiovaara's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Kontiovaara has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Baller can't keep his opponent in guard - Kontiovaara advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Kontiovaara working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.

Kontiovaara is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Baller defends it well.
Baller has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Kontiovaara is working away from the top position though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Kontiovaara is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Baller has managed to free his arm - good work.

Kontiovaara is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Baller is just riding it out for now. Kontiovaara eventually gives up the hold.
Kontiovaara throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!

Kontiovaara is working for a submission of some sort.

Kontiovaara is looking for a kimura but Baller is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Kontiovaara to get the leverage.

Kontiovaara seems to be looking for submissions.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Baller looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Baller works his way to full guard. Good work.
Kontiovaara trying to control but Baller is working from the bottom.

Baller has his foot on Kontiovaara's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Kontiovaara works his way back into a safe position though.

Baller has his foot on Kontiovaara's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Kontiovaara works his way back into a safe position though.
Baller working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Kontiovaara.
Kontiovaara sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Baller's guard.

Kontiovaara is working for a kimura but Baller is defending it quite comfortably.
Baller manages to get to full guard.

Baller working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Kontiovaara doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Kontiovaara manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

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

Baller had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Kontiovaara defends it easily.
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!

Baller has his foot on Kontiovaara's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Kontiovaara works his way back into a safe position though.

Kontiovaara drops back looking for a leg! Baller is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Baller manages to kick Kontiovaara off! Kontiovaara jumps back into Baller's guard.
Baller can't keep his opponent in guard - Kontiovaara advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Kontiovaara is looking for a kimura here.

Kontiovaara seems to be looking for submissions.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Juhani Kontiovaara dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Baller uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Kontiovaara.
Kontiovaara displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
Kontiovaara blocks a head kick by Baller.
Kontiovaara swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Baller really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Kontiovaara, as that shot connected.
Baller is looking to land body kicks.

Kontiovaara instigates a clinch.
Kontiovaara has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Baller is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Kontiovaara blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Baller throws a head punch that misses.
Kontiovaara tries for a takedown but Baller manages to get underhooks.
Kontiovaara is trying to pull guard but Baller turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Paul Baller has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Juhani Kontiovaara.
Kontiovaara is trying to push Baller away but Baller has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Baller lands a left hand that snaps the head of Kontiovaara backwards.
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!
Baller misses with a hook to the ribs.
Kontiovaara swings away with an uppercut that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Baller.
Baller misses with a punch to the body.
A short left from Baller.
Baller lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Kontiovaara can't get the takedown.
Kontiovaara is breathing heavily.
Kontiovaara drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Baller pushes Kontiovaara back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Baller lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Kontiovaara backwards.
Baller lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Kontiovaara drops down looking for an ankle pick but Baller pulls his leg out and moves away.
Baller throws out a powerful jab.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kontiovaara with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Baller to score with a decent uppercut.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kontiovaara throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Baller connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Baller throws a hook but Kontiovaara blocks it.
Kontiovaara on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Kontiovaara misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Baller swats away the attempt to clinch by Kontiovaara.
Baller thows a left - swing and a miss!
Baller is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Kontiovaara throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Baller scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Kontiovaara doesn't seem bothered though.
Baller defending well as Kontiovaara loads up on a big left hand.
Baller lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Baller throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Paul Baller seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Baller scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Baller feints a jab promting Kontiovaara to slip. Baller then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Kontiovaara slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.

It looks like Juhani Kontiovaara has been cut.
Baller looks to land a left hand but Kontiovaara moved out of range nicely.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kontiovaara on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Baller throws the left hand but Kontiovaara avoids the punch easily.
Kontiovaara takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Kontiovaara gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Baller keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Kontiovaara throws a combination that misses
and Baller counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Kontiovaara tries to clinch up but Baller circles away and keeps his distance.
Kontiovaara misses with a straight right.
Baller misses with an uppercut.
Baller looks to land a left hand but Kontiovaara moved out of range nicely.
Baller lands with an overhand left.
Baller uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Kontiovaara.
Kontiovaara throws the left hand but Baller avoids the punch easily.

Kontiovaara shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Baller napping and manages to drive through into side control!

Kontiovaara tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Kontiovaara has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Baller gets back to half guard.
Baller is pressing down on Kontiovaara's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Kontiovaara pushing down on Baller's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Baller wants to control but Kontiovaara is keeping busy and won't allow it.

Baller is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Kontiovaara pulls his head out easily.
Baller moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Juhani Kontiovaara has got the better of the ground game so far.
Kontiovaara pushes down on Baller's leg and manages to get into half guard.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Kontiovaara wants to control but Baller is keeping him busy.
Kontiovaara sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Baller defending well though.
Kontiovaara wants to control but Baller is keeping him busy.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Paul Baller dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Juhani Kontiovaara'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. This is the final round!

Kontiovaara shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Baller keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Kontiovaara.
Paul Baller is winning the standup battle so far.
Kontiovaara throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Baller counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Kontiovaara is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Baller scores with a hook to the body. Kontiovaara takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
A big left from Baller misses.
Kontiovaara slips a straight right by Baller.
Baller lands a nice shot to the body.
Baller moves into range and connects with a jab.
Baller throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Kontiovaara.

Kontiovaara looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Kontiovaara stands up over Baller, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kontiovaara trying to control the position from guard on top but Baller is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Kontiovaara takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Kontiovaara is in close to Baller's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Kontiovaara pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Baller is keeping the position for now.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Baller had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Kontiovaara defends it easily.
Kontiovaara sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Baller's guard.

Kontiovaara is working for a submission of some sort.
Baller is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Kontiovaara's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Kontiovaara's back!
Baller trying to control.
Kontiovaara trying to control the hands but Baller breaks the grip.
Baller trying desperately to keep hold of the dominant position.
Baller is hanging on to Kontiovaara's back as he tries to escape.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kontiovaara looking very determined here, making life difficult for Baller.
Kontiovaara is in bad spot here.
Kontiovaara wants to control his opponent's hands but Baller gets his hands free.

Baller is working for the rear naked choke. He has one arm under the chin but Kontiovaara has hold of the other arm. A bit of a stalemate here.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kontiovaara wants to control his opponent's hands but Baller gets his hands free.
Kontiovaara might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Baller kaven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Baller controlling well, preventing Kontiovaara from escaping the position.
What can Kontiovaara do to escape this position? He's going to have to figure it out pretty quick if he wants to stay in the fight!
Baller will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Baller tries to keep control of the position but Kontiovaara is staying busy.
I really don't envy Kontiovaara right now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kontiovaara holding both Baller 's hands and preventing any damage.
Kontiovaara rolls, trying to escape but Baller keeps control of the position.
Kontiovaara looks to control his opponent's hands but he's not mananging it at the moment.
A lull in the action here.
Baller is throwing punches to the body, looking to soften Kontiovaara up.
Kontiovaara is really stuck here.
Baller trying to control momentarily.
Kontiovaara tries to break free.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Baller is working the ground and pound. Can Kontiovaara escape?
Kontiovaara is really stuck here.
Baller gets his hands free as Kontiovaara looks to control.
So, who will make the next big move? In this position it could be crucial.
Baller trying to control.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kontiovaara breaks Baller's hooks off and manages to turn into his guard.
Kontiovaara wants to pass the guard but Baller is keeping the position.

Kontiovaara drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Baller dives on top into guard.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Baller stands and throws Kontiovaara's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Kontiovaara takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.

And that's the end of the fight!
Paul Baller showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Baller 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 Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 29:28
Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight 29:28
Judge Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Paul Baller!
A very excited looking Paul Baller made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.