PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Aleksi Vihtala (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Gustav Tedvik (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Vihtala
vs
Tedvik

188 cm
22
218 lbs
12 - 0 - 0

188 cm
29
220 lbs
7 - 2 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
World class MT
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Powerful

Hell's Kitchen Lab Corp (159.49 $75)
Perkele!

Brute

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Aleksi Vihtala!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Gustav Tedvik!
The judges for this bout are Arvi Lind, Marco Blurström and Johanna Lukiainen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Tedvik tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Tedvik misses with a wild body shot.
Tedvik connects with a good right hand that stumbles Vihtala. Vihtala circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Vihtala moves into range and connects with a jab.
Tedvik fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Vihtala avoids it really well and circles away.
Vihtala lands a jab to the head.
Tedvik jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Vihtala misses with a wild combination.
Vihtala staying out of range there.
Vihtala connects with a body shot.
Tedvik swings and misses with a hook to the body.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Tedvik closes the distance and pushes Vihtala back into the cage.
The referee calls for Tedvik to work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tedvik fails to pull guard.
Vihtala tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Tedvik's elbow.
Tedvik's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Vihtala fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Tedvik manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Tedvik drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Aleksi Vihtala has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Gustav Tedvik.
Vihtala is trying to maintain a safe position but Tedvik gets an underhook and turns Vihtala into the cage.
Vihtala lands an uppercut.
Tedvik is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Vihtala pulls him back up using the underhooks.

Tedvik manages to break the clinch.
Tedvik blocks a head kick by Vihtala.
Vihtala swings for the body but Tedvik moves out of range.
Tedvik is trying hard to land a takedown here. Vihtala sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A slapping leg kick lands for Vihtala.

Tedvik looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Vihtala is trying to keep Tedvik in close.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Tedvik trying to control but Vihtala is working from the bottom.
Vihtala trying to control the position.
Tedvik stopping the sweep attempt from Vihtala.
Tedvik trying to control the position from guard on top but Vihtala is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Vihtala is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Tedvik is aware though and is defending well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tedvik working some strikes from top position.
Tedvik chips away with some ground and pound.
Tedvik has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

Vihtala is looking for a triangle but Tedvik pushes his legs off easily.

Vihtala escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Tedvik gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Vihtala tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Tedvik in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Tedvik trying to control the position from guard on top but Vihtala is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Tedvik wants to pass the guard but Vihtala is keeping the position.
Vihtala working a defensive guard here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tedvik is in close to Vihtala's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Vihtala has momentary wrist control but Tedvik slips an elbow through the middle.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Tedvik wants to control from the top but Vihtala keeps moving.
Tedvik wants to pass the guard but Vihtala is keeping the position.
Vihtala controlling Tedvik's posture.
Vihtala trying to keep a closed guard but Tedvik is proving a slippery customer.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Tedvik trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
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 Aleksi Vihtala will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action!

Tedvik tries to clinch but Vihtala moves out of range.
Tedvik scores with a hook.
Vihtala tries a low kick but Tedvik avoids it.
Vihtala walks into a stiff left hand from Tedvik.
Vihtala lands with a slapping head kick.

It looks like Gustav Tedvik has been cut.
Tedvik misses with a looping left.
Vihtala does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Vihtala throws a nice outside leg kick.
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!

Tedvik closes the distance and clinches.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Vihtala goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Tedvik lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Vihtala tries to throw a body punch but Tedvik avoids it by throwing Vihtala back against the cage.
Tedvik taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Vihtala blocks a couple of punches on the inside.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vihtala struggles to land a body shot inside as Tedvik controls his hands.
Tedvik is pushing Vihtala up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
A hook to the body from Vihtala.
Tedvik blocks the elbow strike.
Vihtala creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Tedvik throws a punch but it's blocked by Vihtala.
Vihtala taking a breather.
Tedvik is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Vihtala lands with a light punch inside.
Tedvik stalls.
A hook to the body from Tedvik.
Tedvik lands a nice uppercut.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Tedvik tries to work over Vihtala's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Tedvik misses with a shot to the kidneys.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Vihtala is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Vihtala can't seem to implement his control oriented gameplan at the moment. That's no bad thing of course, for those of us who want to see a good fight.
Gustav Tedvik seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Vihtala trying to land knees to the body.
Vihtala misses with a hook to the ribs.
Tedvik lands with a left to the head.
Tedvik can't find room to land a body shot as Vihtala controls the action.
Vihtala working aggressively here.
Tedvik changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Vihtala fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Tedvik takes one to the side of the head.
Vihtala scores with a leg kick.
Gustav Tedvik seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A looping hook to the body misses from Tedvik. Vihtala does a little dance to reset his feet.
Vihtala looks to score with a jab to the body but Tedvik is just out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vihtala motions for Tedvik to come forward. Vihtala throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Vihtala looks to land a left hand but Tedvik moved out of range nicely.
Vihtala throws a front kick aimed at Tedvik's knee but Tedvik avoids it well.
Tedvik walks into a jab.
Vihtala throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Aleksi Vihtala is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

Tedvik dives in and scores a takedown into Vihtala's guard.
Tedvik stopping the sweep attempt from Vihtala.
Tedvik wants to control from the top but Vihtala keeps moving.

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Vihtala is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

Vihtala is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Tedvik wants to control from the top but Vihtala keeps moving.
Tedvik looking to pass the guard.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Tedvik trying to control the position from guard on top but Vihtala is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Tedvik stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Vihtala swivels though and keeps the full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Aleksi Vihtala will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Gustav Tedvik's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Vihtala throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.

Tedvik instigates a clinch.
Vihtala blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Vihtala scores with a nice hook to the head.
Vihtala misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Good body shot from Vihtala.
Vihtala throws a punch but it's blocked by Tedvik.
Vihtala lands with a right to the head.

Tedvik tightens his grip and picks Vihtala up, before dumping him to the ground. Vihtala manages to land in guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Tedvik being controlled here momentarily.

Vihtala is looking for a triangle but Tedvik pushes his legs off easily.
Tedvik trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Vihtala looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Vihtala keeping moving, preventing Tedvik from controlling successfully.
Tedvik preventing the sweep.
Tedvik in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Vihtala keeping full guard, as Tedvik tries to pass.

Vihtala is looking for a triangle but Tedvik pushes his legs off easily.
Gustav Tedvik has got the better of the ground game so far.
Tedvik stops Vihtala from standing up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tedvik tries to free his leg and advance position but Vihtala is retaining full guard.
Vihtala keeping moving, preventing Tedvik from controlling successfully.
Tedvik is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.
Tedvik lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Vihtala is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Tedvik is controlling him.

Vihtala looking for a guillotine here but Tedvik defends easily.
Tedvik trying to control the position from guard on top but Vihtala is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tedvik slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Tedvik is looking to take a break and control but Vihtala is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Tedvik lands an elbow.
Tedvik wants to lay and pray for a moment but Vihtala keeps working.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Vihtala wants to control but Tedvik postures up.
Tedvik working the body and head with strikes.
You can see the frustration on Vihtala's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Tedvik wants to lay and pray for a moment but Vihtala keeps working.
You can see the frustration on Vihtala's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Tedvik looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Tedvik wants to control but Vihtala is keeping him busy.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Gustav Tedvik really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Gustav Tedvik's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

Tedvik looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Vihtala lands a leg kick that knocks Tedvik off balance momentarily.
Vihtala sizes up Tedvik with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Tedvik moves out of range of the body kick.
Vihtala looks to land a left hand but Tedvik moved out of range nicely.
Vihtala misses with a double jab.
Vihtala uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Tedvik.
Tedvik throws a jab but it's blocked by Vihtala.
Tedvik throws a looping overhand right but Vihtala ducks down to avoid it.
Tedvik throws a hook to the side of Vihtala's head but Vihtala sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Tedvik misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Vihtala.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vihtala tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Tedvik was well out of range. Poor timing from Vihtala.
Tedvik misses with a wild body shot.
Vihtala paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Tedvik looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Vihtala ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Tedvik moves away.
Vihtala throws a half hearted mid kick.
Vihtala jabs Tedvik right on the nose. Tedvik blinks but takes it well.
Tedvik moves out of range as Vihtala throws a body kick.
Vihtala misses with a wild body shot.
Vihtala throws a wild body kick that Tedvik sees coming a mile off.
Vihtala misses with a few strikes there.
Vihtala stuns Tedvik with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jab, jab by Tedvik - just one landing.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Tedvik shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Tedvik showed some decent athleticism there.
Vihtala tries to get to full guard but Tedvik has control of the leg.
Tedvik slips a nice elbow through Vihtala's hands, connecting with Vihtala's forehead.
Vihtala trying to control here.
Tedvik wants to control but Vihtala is keeping him busy.
Vihtala wants to control but Tedvik is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Vihtala tries to get to full guard but Tedvik has control of the leg.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vihtala trying to control from the bottom.
Vihtala regains full guard. Nicely done.
Vihtala keeping full guard, as Tedvik tries to pass.
Tedvik is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Tedvik pushes down on Vihtala's leg and manages to get into half guard.

Tedvik is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Vihtala sees it coming and defends easily.
Vihtala moves into full guard.
Tedvik advances to half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Vihtala wants to improve his position but Tedvik is controlling well.
The fighters are battling for position here. Vihtala manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Vihtala tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Tedvik trying to control the position from guard on top but Vihtala is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Vihtala keeping full guard, as Tedvik tries to pass.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Tedvik in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Aleksi Vihtala had his way with Gustav Tedvik in that round.
The cut man is working on Gustav Tedvik'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.

Vihtala throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Vihtala is looking to slow Tedvik down with leg kicks.
Nice body kick from Vihtala.
A slapping leg kick lands for Vihtala.
Vihtala finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Tedvik shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Vihtala counters with a leg kick.
Vihtala looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Tedvik misses the shot to the body.
Tedvik avoids the head kick by Vihtala.
Tedvik cracks a nice hook into Vihtala's ribs.
Tedvik keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Tedvik fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Vihtala, pushing him back against the cage.
Tedvik scores with a hook to the body.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Tedvik looking for a takedown.
Tedvik misses with a punch on the inside.
A nice right hand lands inside from Tedvik.
Vihtala lands a shot to the body.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Vihtala just misses with a elbow thrown towards Tedvik's brow.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Vihtala goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Vihtala lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Tedvik backwards.
A short left from Tedvik.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Vihtala blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Vihtala misses with a knee strike.
Tedvik avoids the elbow strike from Vihtala, against the cage.
Vihtala stalling in the clinch but Tedvik improves position.
Gustav Tedvik has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tedvik takes a shot to the head.
Vihtala is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Vihtala blocking some punches.
Tedvik blocking some punches.
Vihtala lands a body punch in the clinch.
Tedvik is trying to drag Vihtala to the mat but Vihtala just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Aleksi Vihtala has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Gustav Tedvik.
Vihtala prevents a takedown attempt there.
Tedvik drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Vihtala gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Vihtala is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice body punch from Vihtala - that landed with a thud.

Tedvik is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Vihtala can't fight it off and eventually Tedvik manages to take the fight to the floor. Vihtala looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Vihtala is trying to control the position from the bottom.

Vihtala looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Tedvik postures up.

Vihtala is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Tedvik defends well.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Tedvik trying to control but Vihtala is working from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tedvik preventing the sweep.
Tedvik trying to control but Vihtala is working from the bottom.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Vihtala wants to control the position but Tedvik says "no thanks buddy" and passes to half guard.
Vihtala wants to get back to full guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Vihtala avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Tedvik.
Tedvik slips a nice elbow through Vihtala's hands, connecting with Vihtala's forehead.
Tedvik thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Vihtala's head.

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 Aleksi Vihtala.
I think Vihtala 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Arvi Lind scores the fight 49:46
Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight 47:48
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Aleksi Vihtala!
Aleksi Vihtala retains his light heavyweight title!
An out of breath Aleksi Vihtala thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.