PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Erkki Vieri (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Wedge Xiii (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Xiii has chosen Tenacious D - Master Exploder as his entrance music. Fingers crossed for an exciting fight - I'm sure both fighters are looking for a nice under the table bonus!

Vieri
vs
Xiii

180 cm
26
170 lbs
19 - 2 - 0

170 cm
27
158 lbs
17 - 6 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Heisenberg
Merciless Gladiators

KO Clothing

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 19 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Erkki Vieri!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 17 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Wedge Xiii!
The judges for this bout are Eddie Farnsworth, Jonathan Paton and Bruno Lombardi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Vieri gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Vieri swings wildly with an uppercut but Xiii uses good head movement to avoid it.
Vieri tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Xiii's elbow.
Vieri misses with the head strike.
Vieri tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Xiii blocks an uppercut.
Xiii drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Vieri gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Vieri doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Vieri misses with a punch on the inside.
Vieri trying to stall but Xiii improves his position.
A short left from Vieri.
Vieri swings wildly with an uppercut but Xiii uses good head movement to avoid it.
Vieri tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Xiii blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Vieri just leaning against Xiii, taking a breather.
A head punch on the inside from Vieri fails to land.
Vieri misses with a hook from the clinch.
Vieri stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.

Xiii lands a takedown into guard.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Xiii preventing the sweep.
My spies in Ninjin no Tamanegi inform me that Xiii has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
Xiii working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Vieri controls Xiii momentarily but Xiii frees himself.
Xiii trying to control the position from guard on top but Vieri is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Vieri 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.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Xiii is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Xiii wants to control from the top but Vieri keeps moving.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Wedge Xiii hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Xiii tries for a takedown but Vieri sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Vieri tries to close the distance and clinch up but Xiii swats him away and circles back towards the center.

Xiii fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Vieri to the ground. Xiii is now in Vieri's guard.
Vieri looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Vieri keeping moving, preventing Xiii from controlling successfully.
Xiii must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Vieri looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vieri working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Xiii.
Vieri manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Xiii manages to get himself to full guard.
Xiii pulls Vieri in close to prevent any damage.
Xiii looking for a sweep. Not yet Xiii, not yet.
Vieri is looking to work some ground and pound but Xiii has wrist control.
Vieri connects with a couple of short punches.
Vieri stands up over Xiii, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Vieri throws a big elbow that misses.
Xiii looking for a sweep. Not yet Xiii, not yet.
Xiii keeping moving, preventing Vieri from controlling successfully.
Xiii tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Vieri postures up.
Vieri trying to control the position from guard on top but Xiii is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Xiii trying to control the position.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Xiii tried to score with a low kick but Vieri checks it.
Vieri lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Vieri lands with a nice body punch.
Xiii throws a head kick but Vieri moves out of range.

Xiii bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Vieri tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Xiii passes to full mount! That's big trouble for Vieri!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Xiii raining down hammerfists from mount.
Vieri bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Xiii trying to keep a closed guard but Vieri is proving a slippery customer.
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 Erkki Vieri will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Xiii blocks a low kick nicely.
Xiii takes one to the side of the head.
Nice shot lands for Vieri.
Vieri scores with a punch to the head.
Vieri tries to close the distance and clinch but Xiii swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Xiii just misses with a punch to the body.

Vieri forces Xiii back against the cage and clinches.
Vieri working aggressively here.
Vieri fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Xiii blocking some punches.
Vieri has a couple of punches blocked by Xiii.
Vieri lands with a right to the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vieri misses with a hook to the ribs.
Xiii can't break the clinch.
Vieri tries to stall but Xiii uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Vieri misses with a punch on the inside.
Xiii blocks an uppercut.
Xiii blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Vieri working aggressively here.
Xiii tries to score a body lock takedown but Vieri shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
A short left from Vieri.
Vieri misses with a punch to the body.
Vieri misses with a short punch on the inside.
The referee calls for Vieri to work.
Xiii changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Vieri fights it off and pushes away nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A head kick misses from Vieri.
Xiii looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Xiii swings for the body but Vieri moves out of range.
Vieri tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Xiii manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Xiii lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Vieri at a distance.
Vieri throws a hook but Xiii avoids it easily.
Vieri doesn't succeed with the takedown

and Xiii counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Xiii scores with a couple of good hammerfists.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Xiii seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Vieri does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Vieri wants to get back to full guard.
Xiii seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Vieri does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Vieri wants to control but Xiii is keeping busy.
Vieri is looking for a sweep. Xiii is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Xiii trying to control from half guard but Vieri is working away.
Vieri trying to control here but he's found himself mounted! Oh no!
Vieri is desperately trying to improve his position but Xiii has a good base and remains in mount.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Xiii controlling from mount.
Vieri can't escape the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Xiii breaks from Vieri's wrist control and lands an elbow.
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!
Xiii with shots to the head and body - Vieri looks very uncomfortable down there.
Vieri bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Vieri loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Vieri trying to control but Xiii is working from the bottom.
Xiii manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Vieri manages to get himself to full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Vieri is looking to score with low kicks.
Vieri gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Xiii counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Vieri!
Vieri takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
Vieri tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Xiii wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Xiii creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Xiii scoring with punches and elbows.
Vieri wants to control but Xiii postures up.
Xiii working the ground and pound from side control.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Vieri is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Xiii lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Vieri down.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Xiii cracks Vieri with a big elbow.
Xiii trying to control the position but Vieri is working away.
Vieri is in a tricky position but he's been working on his transitions down at Ruumishuone, so we'll see if he gets out of it.
Vieri prevents Xiii from improving position.
Xiii trying to control the position but Vieri is working away.
Vieri takes a big shot right to the temple there but he's taken it well.
Xiii trying to control the action but Vieri is working from the bottom.
Vieri is trying to improve his position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Vieri is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Xiii off and has taken his back!
Vieri lands a shot to the head.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Vieri connects with a big shot to the side of Xiii's head.
Xiii is in bad spot here.
Vieri doesn't have the hooks in and Xiii manages to turn into his guard.
Xiii lands a couple of digs.
Vieri 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.
Vieri manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Xiii manages to get himself to full guard.
Xiii not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Vieri tries to free his leg and advance position but Xiii is retaining full guard.
Xiii is pulling down on Vieri's head to control his posture.
Vieri stands and throws Xiii's legs to the side, diving into side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Xiii struggling a bit here.
Xiii stops Vieri from passing to mount.
Xiii avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Vieri.
Vieri throwing strikes but missing, from side control.
Xiii is not content to let Vieri control the position.
Xiii gets back to half guard.
Xiii wants to control but Vieri is keeping busy.
Xiii is looking for a sweep. Vieri is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Vieri not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Xiii wants to improve his position but Vieri is controlling well.
Vieri is nestled in close to Xiii, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Vieri missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Xiii is looking for a sweep. Vieri is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Xiii wants to control but Vieri is keeping busy.
Xiii tries to get to full guard but Vieri has control of the leg.
Vieri wants to lay and pray for a moment but Xiii keeps working.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Vieri tries to pass the half guard into mount. Xiii knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Xiii has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Vieri is working away from the top position though.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Wedge Xiii really dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Xiii moves out of range of the strikes.
Vieri misses with a hook.
Vieri tries to clinch but Xiii is having none of it.
Xiii connects with a right hand. Vieri shakes it off.

Vieri gets a clinch.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Vieri.
Xiii drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Vieri taking a break, stalling in the clinch.

Xiii escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vieri darts in looking for a takedown but Xiii gets double underhooks and turns Vieri into the cage.
Vieri goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Vieri struggles to land a body shot inside as Xiii controls his hands.
Vieri leaning against his opponent.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Xiii.
Xiii drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Vieri doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Xiii is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Vieri is defending well.
Erkki Vieri has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Wedge Xiii.
Vieri goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Nice body punch from Vieri.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Vieri scores with a nice hook to the head.
Xiii is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Vieri is defending well.
Vieri working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Vieri tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Xiii drops down looking for an ankle pick but Vieri pulls his leg out and moves away.
Vieri fails to land with a series of punches.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Vieri buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Vieri ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Xiii moves away.
Vieri looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice uppercut lands for Vieri. That snapped Xiii's head back.
Vieri walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Xiii checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Vieri connects with a leg kick. Xiii looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
The crowd cheers as Vieri lands an impressive looking overhand right. Xiii doesn't seem phased though.
Vieri misses with a hook.
Erkki Vieri is winning the standup battle so far.
Nice defenses there by Xiii.
Xiii rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Vieri moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Xiii slips a jab and a cross from Vieri.
Xiii misses with a head kick.
Xiii darts in looking for a takedown but Vieri gets double underhooks and turns Xiii into the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Xiii blocking some punches.
Vieri doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Vieri misses with a hook to the ribs.
Vieri swings away with an uppercut that misses.
A head punch on the inside from Vieri fails to land.
Xiii blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Vieri scores with a nice hook to the head.
Xiii tries for a takedown but Vieri manages to get underhooks.
Vieri has a couple of punches blocked by Xiii.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Vieri misses with a punch on the inside.
Vieri prevents a takedown attempt there.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Vieri leaning against his opponent.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Erkki Vieri had his way with Wedge Xiii in that round.
That's time! Vieri's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Vieri is looking to clinch.
Erkki Vieri seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Xiii uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Vieri.
Vieri throws a leg kick but Xiii sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Vieri tries to clinch but Xiii is having none of it.
Xiii on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Vieri. Vieri obviously looking to wear him down.
Vieri showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Xiii.
Vieri lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
No joy there for Vieri, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Vieri tries a low kick but Xiii avoids it.
Xiii keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vieri throws a leg kick that misses.
Vieri throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Vieri connects with a body shot.
Vieri stuffs the takedown.
Vieri uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Xiii.
Vieri throws a hook but Xiii avoids it easily.
Vieri dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Xiii. That did some damage!
Xiii misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Vieri displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Xiii.
Xiii misses with a takedown attempt - Vieri sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Wedge Xiii has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Erkki Vieri has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Wedge Xiii.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Vieri digs a good body shot into Xiii's ribs.
Vieri throws an off balance right hand

and Xiii counters with a nice double leg into side control. Vieri won't be happy with that.
Erkki Vieri is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Vieri is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Wedge Xiii has got the better of the ground game so far.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Vieri avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Xiii.
Xiii is looking to take a break and control but Vieri is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Xiii looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Vieri is avoiding damage well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Xiii is staying tight to Vieri's torso, preventing him from escaping.
Xiii throws an elbow but Vieri slips to the side and avoids it well.
Vieri tries to bench press Xiii off him but Xiii keeps the position.
Vieri has one of Xiii's arms on lockdown, trying to prevent him from doing any damage.
Xiii tries to advance to mount but can't.
Xiii in the domination position with Vieri hanging on.
Xiii throwing strikes but missing, from side control.
Vieri defending against the ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Vieri tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Xiii wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Vieri is working hard here to advance position.
Xiii is looking to take a break and control but Vieri is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Vieri is trying to control Xiii's posture but Xiii avoids it.
Xiii in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
Vieri gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Vieri is looking to improve his position.
Xiii throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

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 Erkki Vieri.
I think Vieri 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 Eddie Farnsworth scores the fight 49:46
Judge Jonathan Paton scores the fight 49:46
Judge Bruno Lombardi scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Erkki Vieri!
Erkki Vieri retains his lightweight title!
A relieved looking Erkki Vieri thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.