PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Seppo Taalasmaa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ivan Slutskaya (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Taalasmaa comes to the cage accompanied by Smurffit - Tunteisiin. Fingers crossed for an exciting fight - I'm sure both fighters are looking for a nice under the table bonus!

Taalasmaa
vs
Slutskaya

172 cm
21
165 lbs
5 - 0 - 0

173 cm
19
156 lbs
6 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
KO power

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter striker
Solid chin

Monster MMA

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Seppo Taalasmaa!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Ivan Slutskaya!
The judges for this bout are Chad Campbell, Anthony Taglia and Russell Pearce.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Slutskaya wants to clinch up but Taalasmaa keeps it at a distance.
Slutskaya takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Seppo Taalasmaa seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Taalasmaa throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Taalasmaa throws a body punch but Slutskaya moves out of range.
Taalasmaa lands a nice hook to Slutskaya's body. Slutskaya takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Slutskaya looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Taalasmaa lands a lovely overhand right.
Taalasmaa throws a series of punches but Slutskaya avoids them all with ease.
Taalasmaa lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.

Slutskaya is rocked!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Taalasmaa jabs at Slutskaya's body.
Taalasmaa lands with a nice body punch.
Slutskaya shoots in for a takedown but Taalasmaa shows good takedown defense.

Slutskaya clinches.
Taalasmaa digs a right hand into Slutskaya's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Slutskaya's gas tank.

Taalasmaa escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Taalasmaa lands a body shot.
Slutskaya looks gassed!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Taalasmaa scores with a body shot.
Taalasmaa lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Slutskaya is still on wobbly legs! Can Taalasmaa finish him?

It looks like Ivan Slutskaya has been cut.
Taalasmaa scores with a hook to the body. Slutskaya takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Slutskaya seems to have recovered his senses.
Slutskaya tries to move into range but Taalasmaa moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for leaving it all in the cage!
Taalasmaa scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Slutskaya takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Slutskaya on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Taalasmaa stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Taalasmaa scores with a shot to the body.
Taalasmaa moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Taalasmaa scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Slutskaya doesn't seem bothered though.
Taalasmaa lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Taalasmaa throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Slutskaya stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Seppo Taalasmaa is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Taalasmaa moves into range and connects with a jab.
Taalasmaa connects with a crisp jab.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Taalasmaa, as that shot connected.
Taalasmaa ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Slutskaya on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Taalasmaa throws a body punch but Slutskaya moves out of range.
Nice cross by Taalasmaa.
Slutskaya ducks under a wild hook from Taalasmaa.
Taalasmaa's corner calls for a 1-2. Taalasmaa obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Taalasmaa throws the left hand but Slutskaya avoids the punch easily.
Taalasmaa is looking to wear down Slutskaya with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Taalasmaa's corner calls for a 1,2 combination and Taalasmaa duly obliges.
Slutskaya uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Taalasmaa.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A lazy left from Taalasmaa finds it's target.
The fighters circling - Taalasmaa throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Taalasmaa misses with a few strikes there.

Slutskaya closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Taalasmaa to the mat! Taalasmaa manages to get full guard.
Taalasmaa wants to sweep here but Slutskaya controlling him for the moment.
Taalasmaa manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Taalasmaa putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
Taalasmaa landing shots from mount.
Slutskaya is wriggling around trying to escape.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Taalasmaa looking to finish Slutskaya with some ground and pound. This is bad for Slutskaya!
Slutskaya can't escape the position.
Taalasmaa scoring with strikes but Slutskaya is staying in there.
Slutskaya is desperately trying to improve his position but Taalasmaa has a good base and remains in mount.
Slutskaya is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Taalasmaa cracks Slutskaya with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
Taalasmaa lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Slutskaya is trying to escape the mount.
Taalasmaa looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Seppo Taalasmaa dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Ivan Slutskaya's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Nice takedown defense from Taalasmaa. No joy for Slutskaya on that attempt.
Taalasmaa lands with an uppercut that bounces Slutskaya off the cage and back into rage.
Taalasmaa scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
Good shot there by Taalasmaa.
Taalasmaa jabbing away but nothing is landing.

Slutskaya has taken the fight to the clinch.
Slutskaya tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Taalasmaa misses with a punch on the inside.
Taalasmaa is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Slutskaya can do to turn this around?
Taalasmaa swings wildly with an uppercut but Slutskaya uses good head movement to avoid it.
Taalasmaa doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Taalasmaa lands a hook to the side of the head.
Taalasmaa scores with a shoulder strike.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Taalasmaa lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Slutskaya.
Taalasmaa swings wildly with an uppercut but Slutskaya uses good head movement to avoid it.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Slutskaya.
Taalasmaa works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Taalasmaa wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Slutskaya tries to pull guard but Taalasmaa holds him up against the cage and eventually Slutskaya drops back down to his feet.
Seppo Taalasmaa has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ivan Slutskaya.
A shot in the inside from Taalasmaa.
Taalasmaa tries to throw a body punch but Slutskaya avoids it by throwing Taalasmaa back against the cage.
Taalasmaa can't find room to land a body shot as Slutskaya controls the action.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Slutskaya prevents a body shot from Taalasmaa.
Taalasmaa lands with a right to the head.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Taalasmaa.

Taalasmaa breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

Slutskaya moves into the clinch successfully.
Slutskaya stalling against the cage.
Taalasmaa swings wildly with an uppercut but Slutskaya uses good head movement to avoid it.
Taalasmaa lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Taalasmaa wants to get back to striking at distance but Slutskaya won't allow it.
Taalasmaa has a couple of punches blocked by Slutskaya.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Slutskaya looking to slow down the pace here.
Slutskaya tries for a takedown. No joy.

Slutskaya breaks the clinch.
Taalasmaa loads up on a big right hand but Slutskaya slips the punch.
Slutskaya ducks under a wild hook from Taalasmaa.
Taalasmaa dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Slutskaya is breathing heavily.
Slutskaya takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Slutskaya tries to clinch but Taalasmaa moves out of range.
Slutskaya takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Taalasmaa lands the left hand.
Taalasmaa takes a swing at Slutskaya's ribcage but misses.
Taalasmaa lands a nice shot to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The fighters circle momentarily. Taalasmaa darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Taalasmaa lands a lovely overhand right.
Slutskaya takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Slutskaya shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Taalasmaa lands a lovely overhand right.
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!
Taalasmaa swings for the body but Slutskaya moves out of range.
Taalasmaa throws a combination. Slutskaya tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Slutskaya takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Slutskaya tries to clinch up but Taalasmaa circles away and keeps his distance.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Taalasmaa fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Taalasmaa scores with a body shot.
Taalasmaa cracks Slutskaya with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Seppo Taalasmaa dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Ivan Slutskaya's cut.
That's time! Taalasmaa's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Slutskaya tries for a takedown but Taalasmaa sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Slutskaya tries to move into range but Taalasmaa moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Taalasmaa lands with an uppercut that bounces Slutskaya off the cage and back into rage.
Taalasmaa throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Taalasmaa stuffs the takedown attempt from Slutskaya. Slutskaya gets slowly back to his feet.
Slutskaya has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Taalasmaa scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Taalasmaa misses the shot to the body.
Taalasmaa lands a lovely overhand right.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Taalasmaa wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Taalasmaa scores with a shot to the body.
Taalasmaa lands with a cross.
Taalasmaa punishes Slutskaya's body with a nice straight punch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Taalasmaa lands a jab-cross combination.
Taalasmaa lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Taalasmaa connects with a jab.
Slutskaya tries to clinch but Taalasmaa is having none of it.
Taalasmaa throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Ivan Slutskaya is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Taalasmaa fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Taalasmaa takes a swing at Slutskaya's ribcage but misses.
Slutskaya shoots in and drives through. Taalasmaa sprawls well.
Seppo Taalasmaa has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ivan Slutskaya.
Taalasmaa thuds a left hand into Slutskaya's body.
Taalasmaa lands with a nice body punch.
Taalasmaa fails to land with a series of punches.
Taalasmaa swings for the body but Slutskaya moves out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Slutskaya avoids the body shot from Taalasmaa.
Slutskaya feints and then cracks Taalasmaa's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Taalasmaa down.
Slutskaya shoots in for a takedown but Taalasmaa shows good takedown defense.
Taalasmaa punishes Slutskaya's body with a nice straight punch.
Slutskaya looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Taalasmaa fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Slutskaya manages to avoid it.
Taalasmaa scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Slutskaya uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Taalasmaa.
Slutskaya moves in looking to clinch but Taalasmaa pushes him off.
Taalasmaa misses with an uppercut. Slutskaya saw that one coming.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Taalasmaa tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.
Taalasmaa wants to get back to full guard.
Taalasmaa trying to get back to full guard but Slutskaya takes advantage of the position and moves to full mount!
Taalasmaa can't escape the position.
Slutskaya has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Taalasmaa's face.
Slutskaya trying to control but Taalasmaa is having none of it.
Taalasmaa working to try and regain half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Slutskaya lands a big elbow.
Taalasmaa is bucking up trying to escape but Slutskaya cracks him with another couple of good strikes.
Slutskaya lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
Slutskaya landing shots from mount.
Taalasmaa manages to regain half guard. Good work.
Taalasmaa on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Slutskaya throwing shots but Taalasmaa is blocking nicely.
Taalasmaa is trying to stand up here but Slutskaya is controlling him well.
Taalasmaa trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Seppo Taalasmaa clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Ivan Slutskaya's cut.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

A telegraphed right hand from Taalasmaa misses the target.

Slutskaya closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Slutskaya lands in his opponent's guard.
Taalasmaa keeping moving, preventing Slutskaya from controlling successfully.
Slutskaya pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Taalasmaa is keeping the position for now.
Slutskaya looking to sit in guard and control but Taalasmaa gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.

Slutskaya looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Slutskaya has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Slutskaya looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Taalasmaa has picked Slutskaya up and slammed him! Slutskaya can't keep hold of the triangle and Taalasmaa manages to pass to side control!
Taalasmaa connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Slutskaya some visible discomfort.
Taalasmaa creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Taalasmaa scores with a couple of short elbows.
Taalasmaa tries to advance to mount but can't.

Taalasmaa stands up.
Taalasmaa stuns Slutskaya with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Slutskaya shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Taalasmaa connects with the punch.
Taalasmaa lands with a shot to the body.
Taalasmaa dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Slutskaya takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Taalasmaa takes a swing at Slutskaya's ribcage but misses.
Taalasmaa stuffs the takedown.
Slutskaya takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Taalasmaa swinging wilding here.
Slutskaya shoots for a double leg takedown but Taalasmaa sprawls well. He's pushed Slutskaya's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Seppo Taalasmaa has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ivan Slutskaya.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Taalasmaa ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Slutskaya takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Taalasmaa lands with a shot to the body.
Taalasmaa throws a lazy right hand but Slutskaya sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Slutskaya shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Taalasmaa as he avoids it easily.
Taalasmaa throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
A slapping body kick lands there for Slutskaya.
Slutskaya throws a right hand that Taalasmaa ducks under and follows up with a left that Taalasmaa also avoids with ease.
A jab from Taalasmaa finds it's way through Slutskaya's defenses.
Slutskaya walks into a straight right hand from Taalasmaa.
Taalasmaa moves out of range of the strikes.
Taalasmaa getting the better of the striking in that exchange.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
A good leg kick by Slutskaya.
Slutskaya slips a jab from Taalasmaa.

Slutskaya gets a clinch.
Slutskaya tries to land knees in the clinch but Taalasmaa avoids the damage to the body.
Slutskaya blocking some punches.

Taalasmaa breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Taalasmaa cracks a nice hook into Slutskaya's ribs.
Taalasmaa swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Slutskaya shoots in and drives through. Taalasmaa sprawls well.

Slutskaya forces Taalasmaa back against the cage and clinches.
Taalasmaa creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Come on Slutskaya - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Seppo Taalasmaa had his way with Ivan Slutskaya in that round.
The cut man is working on Ivan Slutskaya's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! And we move into the final round!

Taalasmaa lands a nice looking body shot.
Slutskaya shoots for a double leg takedown but Taalasmaa sprawls well. He's pushed Slutskaya's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Taalasmaa loads up on a big right hand but Slutskaya slips the punch.
Taalasmaa lands a glancing blow to the side of Slutskaya's head.
Slutskaya avoids the body shot from Taalasmaa.
Taalasmaa slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Taalasmaa thuds a left hand into Slutskaya's body.
Taalasmaa jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Slutskaya throws a right and a left that both miss.
Taalasmaa lands a with a good body shot.
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.
Taalasmaa misses the jab.
Slutskaya tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Taalasmaa swivels and escapes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Taalasmaa scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Slutskaya on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Taalasmaa misses with a wild body shot.
Taalasmaa scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Slutskaya avoids a punch combination nicely.
Slutskaya misses with a takedown attempt - Taalasmaa sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Seppo Taalasmaa has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ivan Slutskaya.
Taalasmaa scores with a jab to the jaw.
Taalasmaa misses with a wild body shot.
Slutskaya shoots in looking for a takedown. Taalasmaa tries to sprawl out of it but Slutskaya keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Taalasmaa manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Slutskaya tries to close the distance and clinch up but Taalasmaa swats him away and circles back towards the center.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Taalasmaa lands a nice hook to Slutskaya's body. Slutskaya takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Taalasmaa throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Slutskaya stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Nice takedown defense from Taalasmaa. No joy for Slutskaya on that attempt.
Taalasmaa throws a nice looking combination but Slutskaya bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Slutskaya misses with a head kick.
Slutskaya takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Taalasmaa lands with an overhand left.
Taalasmaa comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Taalasmaa avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Taalasmaa looks to score with a jab to the body but Slutskaya is just out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Taalasmaa connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Taalasmaa connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Slutskaya momentarily.
Slutskaya is the more experienced fighter here and he's going to need to draw on some of that experience if he's going to pull this one out the bag.
Taalasmaa scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Taalasmaa looks to score with a jab to the body but Slutskaya is just out of range.
Slutskaya misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Taalasmaa cracks Slutskaya with a right hand to the side of the head.
Slutskaya avoids the body shot from Taalasmaa.
Seppo Taalasmaa is winning the standup battle so far.
Nice defenses there by Slutskaya.
Taalasmaa misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Slutskaya.
Taalasmaa throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Slutskaya sees it coming and avoids it easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Taalasmaa swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Taalasmaa keeps the fight on the outside.
Nice shot lands for Taalasmaa.

Slutskaya has taken the fight to the clinch.
Taalasmaa misses with a hook from the clinch.
Nice body punch from Taalasmaa - that landed with a thud.

Slutskaya breaks the clinch.
Taalasmaa lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Slutskaya at a distance.
Good exchange - Taalasmaa coming out on top.
Taalasmaa fails to land with a series of punches.
Nice defenses there by Taalasmaa.
Ivan Slutskaya has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Taalasmaa avoids the clinch attempt nicely.

And that's the end of the fight!
Seppo Taalasmaa showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Taalasmaa, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Chad Campbell scores the fight for Seppo Taalasmaa!
Judge Anthony Taglia scores the fight for Seppo Taalasmaa!
Judge Russell Pearce scores the fight for Seppo Taalasmaa!

Seppo Taalasmaa wins by unanimous decision!
Seppo Taalasmaa retains his lightweight title!