PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Rafael Fernandez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Arto Byyri (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Rafael Fernandez could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Arto Byyri's chin.

Fernandez
vs
Byyri

198 cm
20
270 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

195 cm
38
255 lbs
17 - 15 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Rafael Fernandez!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 17 - 15 - 0, fighting out of London, Arto Byyri!
The judges for this bout are Aafke Stam, Paulsen Ambrosius and Radbod Blank.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Byyri checks a low kick from Fernandez.
Fernandez tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Byyri paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Arto Byyri seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Fernandez throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Byyri throws a jab but it's blocked by Fernandez.
Byyri misses with a hook.
Fernandez defending well as Byyri loads up on a big left hand.
Byyri throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Fernandez counters with a left and a right that stings Byyri.
Byyri throws a shot from downtown. Fernandez moves away and avoids it.
Fernandez goes for a double leg but Byyri avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Byyri continues to drive forward.
We've been hearing reports that Fernandez has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.

Byyri ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Byyri no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Fernandez looking to pass the guard.
Fernandez won't allow Byyri to sweep him here.
Fernandez trying to control but Byyri is working from the bottom.
Fernandez advances to half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Fernandez is working for a kimura but Byyri is defending it quite comfortably.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.

Fernandez wants to work for an arm triangle but Byyri is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Byyri wants to improve his position but Fernandez is controlling well.
Fernandez is trying to control. Byyri wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Fernandez tries to pass the half guard into mount. Byyri knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fernandez seems to have lost interest with the ground game and is thinking about standing back up.
Fernandez is keen to just control but Byyri is a slippery customer.
Fernandez is trying to get back to his feet now but his leg is trapped.
Fernandez is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Rafael Fernandez just wasn't active enough.
Fernandez shoots in but no luck this time.
A combination from Fernandez does no damage.
Fernandez fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rafael Fernandez. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Byyri connects with a nice looking jab.
Byyri checks a leg kick.
Byyri looks to throw the jab but Fernandez is out of range.
Byyri misses with a left hand
and Fernandez counters with a two punch combo.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A telegraphed right hand from Byyri misses the target.
Byyri scores with a hook.
Fernandez keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Fernandez pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Byyri lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Fernandez darts in looking for a takedown but Byyri gets double underhooks and turns Fernandez into the cage.
Byyri wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Fernandez has him pressed against the cage.

Byyri manages to break the clinch.
Byyri throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Fernandez tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Byyri defends well and Fernandez ends up having to push Byyri into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.

Byyri's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Byyri swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Fernandez throws a hook but Byyri avoids it easily.
Byyri misses with an uppercut. Fernandez saw that one coming.
Fernandez fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Byyri slips a straight right by Fernandez.
Fernandez bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Fernandez has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Fernandez tries to score a power double leg takedown but Byyri sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Fernandez somewhat.
Fernandez shoots in but no luck this time.
Fernandez shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Byyri but Byyri pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Fernandez misses the shot to the body.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Fernandez.
Byyri is trying to get back to his feet.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Fernandez tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Fernandez trying to control the position but Byyri is working away.
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 Rafael Fernandez will probably get the nod.
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.

Byyri swinging wildly here.
Fernandez shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Byyri defends it nicely.
Byyri dodges the punch combination from Fernandez.
Byyri falls off balance throwing a combination
and Fernandez counters with a nice uppercut.
Arto Byyri seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Fernandez pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Byyri thows a body shot but no joy.
Fernandez uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Byyri.
Byyri throws a jab when Fernandez was well out of range.
Fernandez thows a left - swing and a miss!
Byyri misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Fernandez.
Byyri waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Fernandez.
Some wild striking there from Fernandez.
Fernandez thuds his right hand into Byyri's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Byyri needs to keep his hands up - Fernandez had a free shot at his head there.
Byyri uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Fernandez ducks under a wild hook from Byyri.
Fernandez uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Byyri.
Byyri is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Fernandez.
Fernandez throws a wild body kick that Byyri sees coming a mile off.
Byyri waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Fernandez.
Byyri throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Fernandez lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Byyri circles away quickly and effectively.
Byyri misses with a hook.
A slow jab from Byyri misses its intended target.
Arto Byyri is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Byyri throws a looping overhand right but Fernandez ducks down to avoid it.
Byyri throws a series of punches but Fernandez avoids them all with ease.
Fernandez tries to score a power double leg takedown but Byyri sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Fernandez somewhat.
Byyri rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Fernandez counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Fernandez lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Fernandez comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Fernandez shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Byyri as he jumps to the side.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rafael Fernandez. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
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!
Fernandez misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Byyri swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Fernandez.
Fernandez dives in for a single leg takedown but Byyri sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.

Byyri breaks from the clinch.
Rafael Fernandez is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Fernandez cracks a nice hook into Byyri's ribs.
Byyri misses with a hook.
Byyri misses with a straight left.
Byyri moves out of range as Fernandez throws a body kick.
Byyri waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Fernandez.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Fernandez is defended easily by Byyri.
Sloppy strikes from Byyri. Those never looked like landing.
Byyri misses with a double jab.
Fernandez defending well as Byyri loads up on a big left hand.
Fernandez blocks a jab.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Byyri takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Byyri throws a combination that misses

and Fernandez counters by clinching up.
Byyri is breathing heavily.
Byyri blocks a body shot from Fernandez.
A short right from Byyri on the inside.
Fernandez tries to break the clinch but Byyri is controlling the position.
Fernandez taking a breather.
Fernandez wants to break the clinch but can't.
Byyri fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Fernandez has had enough of the clinch but Byyri keeps him there for the moment.
Fernandez avoiding damage.
Byyri throws a head punch that misses.
Fernandez is trying to force a seperation but Byyri has the dominant position.
Byyri drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Fernandez is trying to force a seperation but Byyri has the dominant position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fernandez trying to control the position but instead, Byyri has worked for underhooks and has pushed Fernandez into the cage.
Fernandez working hard to break the clinch.

Byyri pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Fernandez closes the distance and clinches up with Byyri, looking for a takedown. Fernandez pushes Byyri against the cage but Byyri circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Fernandez slips under a jab.
Fernandez looks for a takedown but Byyri sprawls well.
Byyri lands a body shot.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Fernandez looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Byyri is fending him off so far but Fernandez persists. Nope, Byyri circles away and we're back to standing.
Fernandez tries to score a power double leg takedown but Byyri sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Fernandez somewhat.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Byyri sizes up Fernandez with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Byyri leaves Fernandez with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Fernandez shoots in for a double leg but Byyri sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Rafael Fernandez will probably get the nod.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Byyri scores with a crisp jab that stopped Fernandez in his tracks.
Byyri misses with an uppercut. Fernandez saw that one coming.
Byyri misses with a two punch combination.
Fernandez throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Byyri listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Fernandez takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Byyri might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Byyri throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Some wild striking there from Byyri.
Fernandez ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Byyri throws a hook but Fernandez blocks it.
Fernandez misses with a double jab.
Byyri lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Fernandez circles away quickly and effectively.
A jab from Byyri misses.
A slow jab from Fernandez misses its intended target.
Fernandez avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Byyri clobbers Fernandez with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Fernandez darts in looking for a takedown but Byyri gets double underhooks and turns Fernandez into the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fernandez can't break the clinch.
Fernandez is trying to force a seperation but Byyri has the dominant position.
Byyri goes for a takedown in the clinch but Fernandez prevents it.
Byyri is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Fernandez has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Fernandez wants to get back to striking at distance but Byyri won't allow it.
Fernandez is looking to break free of the clinch but Byyri has double underhooks.
Byyri swings wildly with an uppercut but Fernandez uses good head movement to avoid it.
Fernandez working hard to break the clinch.
Fernandez is trying to break free.
Fernandez is trying to break the clinch but Byyri is controlling him.
Arto Byyri has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Byyri wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
A shot in the inside from Byyri.
Byyri is working for takedown but Fernandez is calmly controlling the position for now.
Fernandez wants to break the clinch but can't.

Byyri escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Byyri misses with an uppercut. Fernandez saw that one coming.
Byyri throws out a loose jab but Fernandez uses good head movement to avoid it.
Byyri thows a left - swing and a miss!
Fernandez throws a right and a left that both miss.
Fernandez moves out of range of the strikes.
Byyri lands a nice looking body shot.
Fernandez misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Byyri.
Fernandez shoots in but Byyri avoids the takedown attempt easily.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Byyri smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Fernandez scores with a punch to the head.
Fernandez throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Byyri lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Byyri throws a series of punches but Fernandez avoids them all with ease.
Byyri takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Fernandez is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Fernandez moves away from the strike by Byyri.
Fernandez throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Fernandez shoots in and drives through. Byyri sprawls well.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rafael Fernandez. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Fernandez tries for a takedown but Byyri sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Byyri just misses with a punch to the body.
Byyri misses with the combination.
Byyri doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Fernandez shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Byyri defends it nicely.
Fernandez misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Byyri.
Byyri throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nice defenses there by Fernandez.
Fernandez lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Rafael Fernandez is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Byyri misses with a hook. Fernandez ducked under it nicely.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Byyri leaves Fernandez with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Byyri throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
A combination from Byyri does no damage.
Fernandez pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Byyri throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Byyri thows a body shot but no joy.
Byyri swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Fernandez.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Byyri stuffs the takedown attempt from Fernandez. Fernandez gets slowly back to his feet.
Byyri misses with a straight right.
Fernandez sizes up Byyri with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.

And that's the end of the fight!
Arto Byyri comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Fernandez 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Aafke Stam scores the fight 29:28
Judge Paulsen Ambrosius scores the fight 29:28
Judge Radbod Blank scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Rafael Fernandez!