PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Robin Kluivert (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jaakko Savolainen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters really staring each other down here, as Jaakko Savolainen enters the cage!

Kluivert
vs
Savolainen

182 cm
19
183 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

184 cm
19
187 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

Good takedowns
Brawler
Granite chin

Powerful takedowns
Counter fighter
Granite chin

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 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Robin Kluivert!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Jaakko Savolainen!
The judges for this bout are Paulsen Ambrosius, Saam Ante and Daniel Blasius.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kluivert pulls out of a head kick attempt.

Savolainen gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.

Savolainen scrambles and gets back to his feet.

Kluivert shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Savolainen manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Kluivert wants to pass the guard but Savolainen is keeping the position.
Kluivert trying to control the position from guard on top but Savolainen is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Savolainen has control of Kluivert's left arm, preventing Kluivert from doing any damage.
Kluivert advances to half guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Savolainen is controlling Kluivert's trapped leg to prevent Kluivert from advancing to side control.
Savolainen slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Kluivert stays in close to Savolainen's body and controls the position.
Kluivert tries to free his leg and advance position but Savolainen is retaining full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Savolainen looking to control.
Kluivert prevents Savolainen from getting back to his feet.
Savolainen keeping moving, preventing Kluivert from controlling successfully.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Kluivert has a takedown stuffed.
Savolainen looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Kluivert is fending him off so far but Savolainen persists. Nope, Kluivert circles away and we're back to standing.

Kluivert changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Savolainen looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Kluivert wants to control but Savolainen is keeping him busy.
Kluivert throws an elbow but Savolainen slips to the side and avoids it well.
Savolainen manages to work his way to half guard, despite Kluivert's best efforts.
Savolainen is staying active underneath Kluivert, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Savolainen is trying to stand back up but Kluivert is controlling him
Kluivert is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!

Kluivert jumps to side control looking for an arm triangle but Savolainen manages to avoid the submission attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Savolainen is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Kluivert has just dragged him back down to the mat.

Kluivert wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Savolainen, who protects the arm well.

Kluivert is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Savolainen is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Kluivert wants to lay and pray for a moment but Savolainen keeps working.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Kluivert wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Savolainen, who protects the arm well.
Savolainen sneaks back into half guard.

Kluivert is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Savolainen looks like he's trying to stand up.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Savolainen wants to get back to full guard.
Savolainen gets full guard.
Kluivert tries to free his leg and advance position but Savolainen is retaining full guard.
Kluivert prevents Savolainen from getting back to his feet.
Kluivert stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Savolainen swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Kluivert stops Savolainen from standing up.
Kluivert wants to pass the guard but Savolainen is keeping the position.

Savolainen has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Kluivert off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
Kluivert tries to score a power double leg takedown but Savolainen sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Kluivert somewhat.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kluivert pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Savolainen keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Robin Kluivert. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Savolainen circles away from the clinch attempt.
Kluivert fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

Kluivert drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
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!
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Kluivert stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Savolainen swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Savolainen manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Savolainen lands a nice shot to the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Robin Kluivert dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Kluivert clinches with his opponent.
Savolainen is trying to pull guard but Kluivert has him pressed against the cage.

Kluivert turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control!

Kluivert is trying to get an arm triangle but Savolainen is defending well.
Kluivert wants to lay and pray for a moment but Savolainen keeps working.

Kluivert is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Savolainen is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.

Kluivert is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Savolainen knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Savolainen sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Kluivert stops Savolainen from getting back to his feet.

Kluivert is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Savolainen defends it well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Savolainen won't allow Kluivert to pass to mount.
Kluivert prevents Savolainen from improving his position.

Kluivert is working for a kimura but Savolainen is defending it quite comfortably.
Savolainen moves into full guard.
Savolainen is pulling down on Kluivert's head to control his posture.
Savolainen is looking to stand up but Kluivert isn't so interested in that idea.
Savolainen wants to sweep but no luck.
Kluivert won't allow Savolainen to get back to his feet.
Savolainen is trying to keep Kluivert in close.
Kluivert wants to pass the guard but Savolainen is keeping the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Jaakko Savolainen wasn't active enough on the ground.
Kluivert shoots and misses

and Savolainen counters with a nice double leg into guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Savolainen working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Kluivert's head.
Savolainen passes Kluivert's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Savolainen landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Kluivert is holding on to half guard well.
Savolainen lands strikes from half guard.
Kluivert is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Savolainen's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Savolainen's back!

Kluivert working for a RNC but it's not happening just yet.

Kluivert looking to break Savolainen's wrist control so he can sink in the choke. Savolainen remaining controlled and patient though - he really has to keep calm otherwise Kluivert will wrap this one up with the rear naked choke!
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Kluivert tries to keep control of the position but Savolainen is staying busy.
You can see the frustration on Savolainen's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.
Kluivert not allowing Savolainen to control his hands.
Savolainen has the hand control, trying to stop the rear naked choke.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Savolainen is trying to break free.

Kluivert is looking for the choke from the back position but Savolainen is controlling his hands well.
Savolainen trying to control the hands but Kluivert won't let him.
Savolainen prevents Kluivert from getting a body triangle.
Savolainen breaks Kluivert's hooks off and manages to turn into his guard.
Kluivert looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Savolainen passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Savolainen takes a little break here. Kluivert wants to take advantage but he is being controlled well.
Savolainen lands a nice forearm strike.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kluivert taking punishment in the form of punches.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Savolainen grinds an elbow into Kluivert's temple.
Savolainen is chipping away with strikes.
Savolainen scores with punches from side control.
Savolainen avoids the strikes from the bottom by Kluivert.
Kluivert is working to avoid the ground and pound but Savolainen connects with a decent elbow.
Savolainen cracks Kluivert with an elbow. That is naaassty.
Savolainen landing a few strikes.
Kluivert pushes Savolainen away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Savolainen gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.
Savolainen working the body and head with strikes.
Kluivert gets back to half guard.
Kluivert is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Savolainen scores with a couple of nice shots.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Kluivert trying to control but Savolainen postures up.
Kluivert is in trouble now - Savolainen has advanced to mount!
Savolainen punishing his opponent with strikes.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jaakko Savolainen showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Kluivert misses with a takedown

and Savolainen decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Kluivert's guard.
Savolainen trying to control the position from guard on top but Kluivert is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Savolainen landing with the ground and pound.
Jaakko Savolainen has got the better of the ground game so far.
Savolainen working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Kluivert is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Savolainen has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Kluivert looking for a sweep. Not yet Kluivert, not yet.
Savolainen makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Savolainen trying to control but Kluivert is working from the bottom.
Savolainen is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.
Savolainen keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Kluivert's head.
Kluivert utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kluivert not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Savolainen cracks Kluivert with a solid left hand.
Savolainen lands a couple of digs.
Savolainen advances to half guard.
Savolainen lands with a punch from half guard.
Savolainen seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Kluivert is looking to improve his position.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Kluivert taking some punishment here, with Savolainen in his half guard.
Kluivert trying to control here.
Savolainen 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.
Savolainen looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kluivert moves into full guard.

Kluivert had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Savolainen defends it easily.
Kluivert is trying to keep Savolainen in close.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Savolainen looking to pass the guard.
Savolainen postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Savolainen controlling from the top position.

Kluivert is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Savolainen defends well.
Savolainen is working Kluivert over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Savolainen postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Savolainen lands a couple of digs.

Kluivert is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Savolainen is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kluivert keeping moving, preventing Savolainen from controlling successfully.
Kluivert lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Savolainen!
Kluivert avoids the attempt from Savolainen to control.
Kluivert wants to take his opponent's back but Savolainen doesn't allow it.
Savolainen sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
Savolainen pushes Kluivert off looking to stand but Kluivert dives back in and keeps control.
Savolainen is refusing to be controlled, as Kluivert sits in half guard.
Savolainen is trying to stand back up but Kluivert is controlling him
Kluivert tries to pass the half guard into mount. Savolainen knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Kluivert seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Savolainen does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Savolainen is doing well to control the position and prevent Kluivert from advancing to side control.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Savolainen moves into full guard.

Savolainen uses the cage to get back to his feet.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Savolainen shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Kluivert defends it nicely.
Kluivert shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Savolainen defends it nicely.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Kluivert closes the distance and pushes Savolainen back into the cage.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jaakko Savolainen comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Savolainen has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Paulsen Ambrosius scores the fight 28:29
Judge Saam Ante scores the fight 28:29
Judge Daniel Blasius scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jaakko Savolainen!