PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Kerma Pekoni (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Bill Lapointe (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Lapointe has chosen Don't Drink The Water as his entrance music. Kerma Pekoni has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Pekoni
vs
Lapointe

190 cm
23
200 lbs
6 - 0 - 0

200 cm
23
210 lbs
7 - 2 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Experienced

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter striker
Knockout power

No Shit Nutrition
Valhalla War Gear

Combat Pro Design

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 6 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Kerma Pekoni!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Bill Lapointe!
The judges for this bout are Matti Vanhoillinen, Roosa Järviläinen and Ben Zyskovitsi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Lapointe scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.

Lapointe bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.

Lapointe swings around for an armbar but Pekoni sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Lapointe's guard.

Pekoni is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Lapointe is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Lapointe has escaped and now he's on top!

Pekoni has his foot on Lapointe's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Lapointe works his way back into a safe position though.
Lapointe wants to pass the guard but Pekoni is keeping the position.

Lapointe drops back, looking for a kneebar! Pekoni looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Pekoni looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Pekoni!

Pekoni working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Pekoni moves into full mount!
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Lapointe is trying desperately to improve position.

Pekoni looking to secure an arm triangle but Lapointe defends it well.

Pekoni get's back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Pekoni has his takedown stuffed

so Lapointe counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Lapointe pushes down on Pekoni's leg and manages to get into half guard.

Lapointe is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Pekoni is just riding it out for now. Lapointe eventually gives up the hold.
Lapointe tries to pass the half guard into mount. Pekoni knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Pekoni looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Lapointe moves into full mount! Pekoni won't be happy about that!
Pekoni has given up his back. Will we see Lapointe going for some submissions?
Lapointe controls the action.
Lapointe is throwing strikes from the back here. Oh that last one was to the back of the head. Lapointe gets a warning from the referee. He throws another strike to the back of the head straight away though and the referee has seen enough. He breaks up the two fighters and stands them back up. Lapointe gets a real talking to here and is lucky not to get a point deducted. Lapointe apologises and we restart here on the feet.
Pekoni shoots and misses

and Lapointe counters with a takedown into side control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sloppy strikes there by Lapointe.
Lapointe advances nicely into full mount.
Pekoni regains half guard.
Lapointe passes the guard and advances to mount!
Lapointe prevents Pekoni from getting the reversal.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Lapointe stands up from the dominant position. He obviously fancies his chances standing.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Lapointe decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bill Lapointe dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the ring so we can get back down to business.

Pekoni with a lazy takedown attempt

and Lapointe counters with a shoot takedown. Pekoni fights it but they end up in guard.
Lapointe preventing the sweep.
Lapointe trying to control but Pekoni is working from the bottom.
Lapointe slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Pekoni is looking for a sweep.

Lapointe thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Pekoni is trying to improve his position.
Lapointe advances nicely into full mount.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lapointe takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Pekoni looking to escape from mount but he's given up his back!

Lapointe has his hand under the chin of his opponent looking for the choke. He's nearly got it! This one could be all over! But no, Pekoni has freed his hand and lives to survive another… well, another couple of seconds at least!
Lapointe doesn't have the hooks in and Pekoni manages to turn into his guard.
Pekoni tries to free his leg and advance position but Lapointe is retaining full guard.

Lapointe throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! Pekoni escapes and throws Lapointe's legs to the side, diving into side control!

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Pekoni tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Pekoni has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Lapointe tries to control the position but he's not in luck - Pekoni easily slips into full mount!
Pekoni wants to take Lapointe's back but he can't do it this time.

Pekoni looking for a guillotine from mount but Lapointe is having none of it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Pekoni working for a submission but Lapointe is keeping him at bay.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Lapointe is wriggling around trying to escape.
Lapointe bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Lapointe prevents Pekoni from getting back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Pekoni keeping moving, preventing Lapointe from controlling successfully.
Lapointe stopping the sweep attempt from Pekoni.
Pekoni keeping moving, preventing Lapointe from controlling successfully.
Pekoni wants to sweep but no luck.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Pekoni manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Lapointe manages to get himself to full guard.
Lapointe is trying to control the position but Pekoni postures up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bill Lapointe showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action!

Pekoni tries to clinch but Lapointe is having none of it.
Pekoni fails with the takedown

and Lapointe counters with a shoot takedown. Pekoni fights it but they end up in guard.
Pekoni keeping moving, preventing Lapointe from controlling successfully.
Lapointe throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Lapointe looking to pass the guard.
Pekoni bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Lapointe's guard.
Lapointe is trying to control the position from the bottom.

Lapointe had isolated an arm as going for an omaplata. Pekoni is defending the submission well but is in a very vulnerable position. Lapointe Is leaning forward trying to finish the omaplata but decides to abandon it, and take Pekoni's back instead.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Pekoni fending off the submission attempt from Lapointe.

Lapointe working for a RNC but it's not happening just yet.
Lapointe takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Pekoni is trying to break free.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.

Lapointe looking for the choke but no joy.
Lapointe controlling well, preventing Pekoni from escaping the position.

Lapointe looking for the choke but no joy.
Lapointe trying desperately to keep hold of the dominant position.

Lapointe is working hard for the rear naked choke here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lapointe controlling well, preventing Pekoni from escaping the position.
Pekoni trying to control the position but Lapointe manages to sink in the hooks.
Pekoni is in bad spot here.

Lapointe looking for the choke but no joy.

Lapointe is remaining active here, looking for the choke. The more discerning members of the crowd will appreciate his efforts.
Pekoni trying to get back to his feet but Lapointe is in full control for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Pekoni is really stuck here.
Pekoni breaks Lapointe's hooks off and manages to turn into his guard.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Lapointe holds on and takes a little breather.

Pekoni avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Lapointe keeping moving, preventing Pekoni from controlling successfully.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bill Lapointe really dominated that round.
That's time! Pekoni's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Pekoni moves out of range as Lapointe strikes.
Lapointe gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Pekoni counters with a takedown into side control.
Pekoni passes to full mount! That's big trouble for Lapointe!

Pekoni wants to finish this one by submission but Lapointe is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Pekoni.
Lapointe is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Lapointe tries to control Pekoni's body but Pekoni pushes him off. Lapointe squirms to his side and now Pekoni has his back!

That's one minute gone in the round.

Pekoni is working hard for the rear naked choke here.
Bill Lapointe has got the better of the ground game so far.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.

Lapointe is staying cool under pressure, defending well against the rear naked choke attempt from his opponent.
Lapointe rolls and manages to get back to half guard. Nicely done.
Lapointe trying to control here.
Lapointe is trying to get back to full guard.

That's two 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.

Pekoni decides to return to a standing position.
Lapointe is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Pekoni.
Pekoni checks a low kick from Lapointe.
Lapointe throws a hook but Pekoni blocks it.

Lapointe looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into mount! Oh, that's bad for Pekoni!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pekoni is looking to get to half guard.
Lapointe with some aggressive grappling here, looking for the finish.

Lapointe gets to his feet and calls his opponent to stand. Here come the fireworks!
Pekoni tries a head kick but it misses.
Pekoni with a poor takedown

and Lapointe counters with a nice double leg into side control. Pekoni won't be happy with that.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Lapointe decides to stand back up.

Pekoni shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Lapointe's guard.
Pekoni trying to control but Lapointe is working from the bottom.

Lapointe throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

Lapointe working for a triangle but Pekoni defends it easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Bill Lapointe will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Lapointe misses with a takedown attempt

and Pekoni decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Lapointe's guard.
Pekoni tries to free his leg and advance position but Lapointe is retaining full guard.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Lapointe is on top in guard.
Lapointe stopping the sweep attempt from Pekoni.
Lapointe pushing down on Pekoni's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
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.
Lapointe is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
Pekoni can't escape the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Lapointe is looking to secure an arm. He's managed it! He's pivoting for an armbar - that looks tight! But Pekoni has managed to get out of it and now he's in a dominant position. Nice work from Pekoni!
Pekoni passes Lapointe's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Lapointe trying to control from the bottom.
Pekoni works his way into full mount!

Pekoni swings around for an armbar but it's a sloppy attempt and Lapointe is now in Pekoni's guard. A big mistake from Pekoni there, giving up the dominant position!

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Lapointe gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Pekoni shoots and misses

and Lapointe counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Lapointe slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Lapointe works to advance to full mount. Pekoni defends for a few seconds but eventually he succumbs.
Lapointe looking to control but Pekoni is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pekoni wants to hold on but Lapointe pushes him away.
Lapointe tries to control but Pekoni wriggling away.

Lapointe is standing up, even though he is in mount.
Pekoni tries for a takedown but Lapointe circles away easily

and Lapointe counters with a nice double leg into side control. Pekoni won't be happy with that.
Lapointe trying to control the position but Pekoni is working away.
Pekoni prevents Lapointe from improving position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Lapointe tries for a kimura but Pekoni is defending well.

Lapointe working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Lapointe tries to advance to mount but Pekoni denies him.

And that's the end of the fight!
Bill Lapointe comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Lapointe has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight 45:50
Judge Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight 46:50
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Bill Lapointe!
Bill Lapointe is the new light heavyweight champion!