PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Erik Erikkson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Saenchai PKSaenchaimuaythaigym (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Erikkson
vs
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym

167 cm
18
135 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

170 cm
18
140 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid boxing
KO power

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Very confident

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Erik Erikkson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Saenchai PKSaenchaimuaythaigym!
The judges for this bout are Tatsuya Matsuyama, Kenichi Hosakawa and Shigeki Sano.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym moves to clinch but Erikkson breaks away
and Erikkson counters with a two punch combo.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym throws a head kick that misses.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym takes a swing at Erikkson's ribcage but misses.
Erikkson throws a series of punches but PKSaenchaimuaythaigym moves out of range.
A combination from Erikkson does no damage.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Erikkson.
Some wild striking there from Erikkson.
Erikkson defends well against a solid takedown attempt from PKSaenchaimuaythaigym.

PKSaenchaimuaythaigym gets tackled into the cage by Erikkson. Erikkson maintains the clinch.
Erikkson keeps control of PKSaenchaimuaythaigym as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Erikkson gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from PKSaenchaimuaythaigym.
Come on PKSaenchaimuaythaigym - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Erikkson wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Erikkson tries to break the clinch but PKSaenchaimuaythaigym is controlling the position.
Erikkson looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.

PKSaenchaimuaythaigym pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
A big left from Erikkson misses.
Erik Erikkson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Erikkson misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Erikkson swivels and escapes.
Erik Erikkson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Saenchai PKSaenchaimuaythaigym.

Erikkson has taken the fight to the clinch.
Erikkson looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Erikkson has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Erikkson's efforts to push away.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym is trying to pull guard but Erikkson turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Our sources have told us that Erikkson has been working on his elbows in the gym.
Erikkson working hard to break the clinch.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym trying to stall but Erikkson improves his position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Erikkson tries to break the clinch but PKSaenchaimuaythaigym is controlling the position.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym landing knees to the head.

It looks like Erik Erikkson has been cut.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym is trying to push Erikkson away but Erikkson has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Erikkson is defending well.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym is trying to break free.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym keeps control of Erikkson as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym prevents Erikkson from breaking the clinch.
Erikkson keeps control of PKSaenchaimuaythaigym as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Erikkson is trying to push PKSaenchaimuaythaigym away but PKSaenchaimuaythaigym has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Erikkson is trying to push PKSaenchaimuaythaigym away but PKSaenchaimuaythaigym has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Erikkson has had enough of the clinch but PKSaenchaimuaythaigym keeps him there for the moment.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym stalling in the clinch but Erikkson improves position.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Erikkson fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Erikkson jabs PKSaenchaimuaythaigym to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Horrible takedown by PKSaenchaimuaythaigym or perhaps it was just good defense by Erikkson which made him look bad.
Erikkson keeps the fight on the outside.

Erikkson moves into the clinch successfully.

Erikkson breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym defending well as Erikkson loads up on a big left hand.
Erikkson fails to land with a series of punches.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym tries to close the distance and clinch up but Erikkson swats him away and circles back towards the center.
The fight stays on the outside here - PKSaenchaimuaythaigym looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Erikkson steps to the side to avoid the strikes from PKSaenchaimuaythaigym.
No luck for Erikkson with that takedown attempt.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym shoots and misses
and Erikkson counters with a three punch combo that has PKSaenchaimuaythaigym backing up. PKSaenchaimuaythaigym nods at Erikkson to acknowledge the strikes.
Erikkson is breathing heavily.
Erikkson misses with a series of wild punches.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym throws a right and a left that Erikkson avoids nicely.
Erikkson misses with a double jab.
Erikkson slaps away a takedown attempt from PKSaenchaimuaythaigym, before circling back to the center of the mat.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym fails in his attempt to clinch.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym throws a body punch but Erikkson moves out of range.
Erikkson wants to clinch.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym shoots in for a double leg but Erikkson sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Erik Erikkson dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Erik Erikkson's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

PKSaenchaimuaythaigym has a takedown stuffed.
Erikkson misses with a takedown attempt - PKSaenchaimuaythaigym sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
No luck with that takedown attempt from PKSaenchaimuaythaigym.
Erikkson connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Erik Erikkson is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Erikkson throws a head kick but PKSaenchaimuaythaigym moves out of range.
A combination from Erikkson does no damage.
Erikkson avoids the head kick by PKSaenchaimuaythaigym.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Erik Erikkson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Saenchai PKSaenchaimuaythaigym.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym moves in looking to clinch but Erikkson pushes him off.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym fails with a takedown attempt.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym fails with a takedown attempt from distance.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Erikkson misses with a series of wild punches.
Erikkson scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Erikkson pinned against the cage. Erikkson gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.

Erikkson has closed the distance and engaged PKSaenchaimuaythaigym in a clinch.
Erikkson is trying to break the clinch but PKSaenchaimuaythaigym has him pressed against the cage.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym jumps guard but Erikkson stands there with PKSaenchaimuaythaigym around his waist. PKSaenchaimuaythaigym gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

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

Erikkson instigates a clinch.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Erikkson fights it off and pushes away nicely.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Erikkson.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym blocks a jab.
A good leg kick by PKSaenchaimuaythaigym.

Erikkson rushes PKSaenchaimuaythaigym and presses him up against the cage.
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!
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym misses with a hook to the ribs.
Erikkson prevents PKSaenchaimuaythaigym from breaking the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym goes for a takedown in the clinch but Erikkson prevents it.
Erikkson is trying to break the clinch but PKSaenchaimuaythaigym has him pressed against the cage.
Erikkson looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym wants to take the fight to the mat but Erikkson manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Erikkson tries to circle away but PKSaenchaimuaythaigym has him pinned against the cage.
Erik Erikkson has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Erikkson is trying to push PKSaenchaimuaythaigym away but PKSaenchaimuaythaigym has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Erikkson prevents PKSaenchaimuaythaigym from breaking the clinch.
Erikkson working hard to break the clinch.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Erikkson looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym is looking to break free of the clinch but Erikkson has double underhooks.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym looking to slow down the pace here.
Erikkson wants to break the clinch but can't.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Erikkson tries to circle away but PKSaenchaimuaythaigym has him pinned against the cage.
Erikkson tries to break free but PKSaenchaimuaythaigym pushes him back against the cage.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym is trying to pull guard but Erikkson turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym keeps control of Erikkson as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym tries to stall but Erikkson uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Erikkson walks away with a smile on his face. PKSaenchaimuaythaigym gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Erikkson fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Erikkson fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Erikkson slaps away a takedown attempt from PKSaenchaimuaythaigym, before circling back to the center of the mat.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
A combination from Erikkson does no damage.
Erikkson closes the distance and clinches up with PKSaenchaimuaythaigym, looking for a takedown. Erikkson pushes PKSaenchaimuaythaigym against the cage but PKSaenchaimuaythaigym circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Erik Erikkson dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Erik Erikkson's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

A left and a right from Erikkson both land. Nice combination.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from PKSaenchaimuaythaigym.
Erikkson avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Erikkson avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Erikkson showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from PKSaenchaimuaythaigym.
No joy there for Erikkson, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Erikkson misses with a series of wild punches.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Erikkson avoids it really well and circles away.
Erikkson lands with an overhand left.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Erikkson throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Erik Erikkson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Saenchai PKSaenchaimuaythaigym.
The fight stays on the outside here - PKSaenchaimuaythaigym looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Erikkson tries to clinch up.

Erikkson has PKSaenchaimuaythaigym up against the cage in a clinch.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.

Erikkson breaks the clinch.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Erikkson swivels and escapes.
A looping hook to the body misses from PKSaenchaimuaythaigym. Erikkson does a little dance to reset his feet.
Erikkson will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Erikkson misses with the combination.
A combination from Erikkson does no damage.
Erikkson misses with a low kick.
Both fighters circling a little - PKSaenchaimuaythaigym finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym has a takedown stuffed.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym is looking to clinch but Erikkson is avoiding it.
Erikkson throws a series of punches but PKSaenchaimuaythaigym moves out of range.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym closes this distance looking for a takedown but Erikkson circles away.
Erikkson takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Erikkson goes for a double leg but PKSaenchaimuaythaigym avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as PKSaenchaimuaythaigym continues to drive forward.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Erikkson smiles and moves away.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from PKSaenchaimuaythaigym.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym tries to bum rush Erikkson with a series of wild strikes but Erikkson uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym is looking to clinch.
Erik Erikkson is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Erikkson scores with a one two! PKSaenchaimuaythaigym had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Erikkson tries to avoid it but PKSaenchaimuaythaigym manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Erikkson to the ground. Erikkson escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
A punch combination from Erikkson misses.
A nice leg kick lands there from PKSaenchaimuaythaigym.
Erikkson swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A looping hook to the body misses from PKSaenchaimuaythaigym. Erikkson does a little dance to reset his feet.
Erikkson stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Erikkson wants it to stay on the feet.
PKSaenchaimuaythaigym looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.

Erikkson gets a takedown into half guard.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Erikkson prevents PKSaenchaimuaythaigym from improving his position.
Erikkson passes into side control, despite PKSaenchaimuaythaigym's attempt to control the position.
Saenchai PKSaenchaimuaythaigym has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
You can see the frustration on PKSaenchaimuaythaigym's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.

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 Erik Erikkson.
Well Erikkson has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Tatsuya Matsuyama scores the fight 30:27
Judge Kenichi Hosakawa scores the fight 30:27
Judge Shigeki Sano scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Erik Erikkson!