PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Marc Tong Panong (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Arvi Rausku (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Tong Panong kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Tetris Song (remix). Rausku is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Notkea Rotta - Taas Lähtee Taju . Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Tong Panong
vs
Rausku

190 cm
31
190 lbs
20 - 21 - 0

182 cm
32
190 lbs
15 - 19 - 1

Good wrestling
Dangerous knees
KO power

ADCC Champion
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Untouchable Fight Nutrition

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 20 - 21 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Marc Tong Panong!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 15 - 19 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Arvi Rausku!
The judges for this bout are Johanna Lukiainen, Matti Vanhoillinen and Roosa Järviläinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rausku tries to score a power double leg takedown but Tong Panong sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Rausku somewhat.
A combination from Tong Panong does no damage.
Tong Panong throws a right hand that misses
and Tong Panong takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Rausku throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Rausku stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.

It looks like Marc Tong Panong has been cut.
Rausku with a poor takedown
enabling Tong Panong to counter with a crisp jab.
Tong Panong stuffs the takedown.
Marc Tong Panong has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Arvi Rausku.
Tong Panong takes a jab right on the kisser.
Tong Panong doesn't manage to clinch there - Rausku circles away.
Rausku swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Rausku takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rausku shoots in for a takedown but Tong Panong shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Rausku swats away the attempt to clinch by Tong Panong.
Rausku tries for a takedown but Tong Panong circles away easily
and Tong Panong counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Rausku takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Rausku slips under a jab from Tong Panong.
Tong Panong throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
No joy there for Tong Panong, who threw a few shots but didn't land.

Tong Panong closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Rausku is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Tong Panong's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Tong Panong's back!

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Rausku is staying calm and holding on to the back position, whilst working on a rear naked choke. Tong Panong is defending well though. Rausku let's go of the attempt for now.
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!
Tong Panong manages to reverse the position and now he's in Rausku's guard. Nice work there by Tong Panong.
Rausku looking to hit a scissor sweep but Tong Panong is one step ahead there.

Rausku is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Tong Panong is aware though and is defending well.
Rausku not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

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

Tong Panong is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Tong Panong slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Tong Panong is putting a hurting on Rausku here, landing some big shots from side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tong Panong landing strikes.
Tong Panong trying to control the position but Rausku is working away.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Tong Panong working the ground and pound.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Rausku is looking for a sweep.
Tong Panong connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Rausku some visible discomfort.
Rausku sneaks back into half guard.

Rausku is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Tong Panong pulls his head out easily.
Rausku is trying to get back to full guard.
Tong Panong scoring with strikes to the body and head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Rausku is looking to improve his position.

Tong Panong is trying to work for a kimura but Rausku is defending well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rausku tries to roll over but Tong Panong keeps him under control.
Rausku moves into full guard.
Tong Panong is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.

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

Rausku has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Tong Panong can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Tong Panong stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Rausku swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Tong Panong is working hard here to advance position.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Rausku is looking for a triangle but Tong Panong pushes his legs off easily.
Rausku keeping full guard, as Tong Panong tries to pass.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Marc Tong Panong will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Marc Tong Panong's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Tong Panong shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Tong Panong was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Tong Panong prevents Rausku from getting the reversal.
Rausku regains half guard.
Rausku gets full guard.
Tong Panong working some strikes from top position.
Rausku wants to stand up but Tong Panong is controlling him.
Rausku has momentary wrist control but Tong Panong slips an elbow through the middle.
Tong Panong pushing down on Rausku's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Tong Panong 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.
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!
Tong Panong takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Tong Panong wants to control but Rausku is keeping him busy.
Tong Panong scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Rausku moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Tong Panong avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Rausku is breathing heavily.
Tong Panong postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Tong Panong preventing the sweep.

Rausku working for a triangle but Tong Panong defends it easily.
Rausku has momentary wrist control but Tong Panong slips an elbow through the middle.
Tong Panong trying to control but Rausku is working from the bottom.
Tong Panong working some strikes from top position.
Tong Panong with a nice head shot there.
Marc Tong Panong overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Tong Panong tries to free his leg and advance position but Rausku is retaining full guard.

Rausku escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Tong Panong gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Rausku had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Tong Panong defends it easily.
Tong Panong trying to control but Rausku is working from the bottom.
Tong Panong works over Rausku with some ground and pound from guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Tong Panong is working Rausku over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Rausku manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Tong Panong manages to get himself to full guard.
Rausku trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Tong Panong wants to sweep here but Rausku controlling him for the moment.
Rausku stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Tong Panong swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Rausku is fighting to break Tong Panong's control of his arms but Tong Panong is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Tong Panong is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Rausku defends well.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Tong Panong is on top in guard.
Tong Panong is working Rausku over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Tong Panong working some strikes from top position.
Tong Panong lands a couple of digs.
Tong Panong lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.

Tong Panong avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Tong Panong landing some decent shots from guard.
Tong Panong throws a big right hand that misses.
Rausku wants to sweep but no luck.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Rausku has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Tong Panong can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Rausku with a couple of shots from the bottom there - nothing Tong Panong can't handle though.

Rausku is looking for a triangle but Tong Panong pushes his legs off easily.
Rausku keeping moving, preventing Tong Panong from controlling successfully.
Rausku wants to sweep here but Tong Panong controlling him for the moment.
Tong Panong wants to control from the top but Rausku keeps moving.
Tong Panong postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Tong Panong working some strikes from top position.
Tong Panong sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Rausku's guard.
Tong Panong working the head and body with strikes.

Rausku is defending against the submission attempts here by Tong Panong.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Marc Tong Panong dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Marc Tong Panong's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Tong Panong leaves Rausku with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.

Tong Panong moves into the clinch successfully.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rausku tries to pull guard but Tong Panong forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Tong Panong tries for a takedown. No joy.
Rausku tries to pull guard but Tong Panong holds him up against the cage and eventually Rausku drops back down to his feet.
Marc Tong Panong has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Arvi Rausku.

Tong Panong jumps guard and drags Rausku to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.
Rausku throwing strikes but missing.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Tong Panong is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Rausku trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Rausku loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

Tong Panong has an active guard here but Rausku has managed to pass into half guard.
Tong Panong is trying to control but can't.

Rausku is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Rausku takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Tong Panong is trying to get back to full guard.

Tong Panong looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Rausku is working for a submission of some sort.
Marc Tong Panong is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tong Panong won't allow Rausku to pass to mount.

Rausku is working for a submission of some sort.
Rausku trying to mount his opponent but Tong Panong defends it.

Rausku is looking for a kimura here.
Tong Panong gets full guard.
Arvi Rausku has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rausku postures up.
Tong Panong is pulling down on Rausku's head to control his posture.
Tong Panong trying to control the position.
Tong Panong 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.
Rausku stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Tong Panong swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Tong Panong is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Marc Tong Panong just wasn't active enough.
Tong Panong fails in his attempt to clinch.
Tong Panong throws a good cross that connects.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rausku fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Tong Panong avoids it really well and circles away.
Rausku throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Tong Panong.

Tong Panong tries to sprawl but Rausku drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Rausku is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.

Rausku is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Tong Panong defends it well.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Tong Panong is looking to control Rausku's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Tong Panong avoid being mounted?
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Rausku not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Arvi Rausku.
Well Tong Panong has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 29:28
Judge Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight 29:28
Judge Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Marc Tong Panong!
A very excited looking Marc Tong Panong 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.