PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Gabriel Fenili (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ilkka Laitinen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Laitinen is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by AC/DC - Thunderstruck. Rumors backstage are that the fighters have been paid to keep it standing but we know that would never happen in MMA!

Fenili
vs
Laitinen

168 cm
30
163 lbs
16 - 14 - 0

177 cm
37
165 lbs
38 - 20 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Lethal high kicks
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 16 - 14 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Gabriel Fenili!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 38 - 20 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Ilkka Laitinen!
The judges for this bout are Marco Blurström, Matti Vanhoillinen and Johanna Lukiainen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Fenili fails with a takedown attempt.
Fenili looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Laitinen cracks the inside of Fenili's front leg.
Laitinen throws a low kick, looking for Fenili's leg but Fenili calmly moves out of range.
Laitinen pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Fenili blocks a head kick by Laitinen.
Laitinen tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Fenili was well out of range. Poor timing from Laitinen.
Laitinen lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Fenili at a distance.
Fenili uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Laitinen.
Laitinen defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Fenili.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Gabriel Fenili. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Laitinen tries to score with a low kick but Fenili moves his leg out of the way.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fenili shoots in for a takedown but Laitinen shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
A nice inside leg kick there by Laitinen. That's going to slow Fenili down.
Fenili tries to score a power double leg takedown but Laitinen sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Fenili somewhat.
Fenili with a lazy takedown attempt
and Laitinen counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.

Fenili looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Laitinen has his hands clasped together around Fenili's back. He's all about the action.
Laitinen wants to get back to his feet.

Fenili is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Laitinen doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Fenili.

Fenili is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Laitinen has managed to free his arm - good work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Fenili seems to be working for a kimura but Laitinen defends the submission attempt.
Laitinen keeps control of the position for the meantime.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
The fighters are battling for position here. Laitinen manages to regain full guard. Nice work.

Fenili drops back looking for a leg! Laitinen is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Laitinen manages to kick Fenili off! Fenili jumps back into Laitinen's guard.
Laitinen 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.
Fenili pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Laitinen is keeping the position for now.

Fenili postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Laitinen is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Fenili, into his guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Fenili has his foot on Laitinen's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Laitinen works his way back into a safe position though.

Fenili is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Laitinen defends well.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Laitinen trying to control but Fenili is working from the bottom.
Laitinen must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Laitinen with a flurry of punches that miss.
Laitinen postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Laitinen wants to control from the top but Fenili keeps moving.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Laitinen accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Fenili keeping moving, preventing Laitinen from controlling successfully.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Laitinen got a little sloppy there for a moment and Fenili has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Laitinen has managed to get both his arms back between Fenili's legs - danger averted.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Fenili looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

Fenili looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Laitinen is stalling in the full guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Fenili is looking for a triangle but Laitinen pushes his legs off easily.

Fenili escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Laitinen gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Fenili looking to hit a scissor sweep but Laitinen is one step ahead there.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Fenili utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
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 Gabriel Fenili 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.

Laitinen slaps away a takedown attempt from Fenili, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Laitinen misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Gabriel Fenili is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Laitinen falls off balance throwing a combination
and Fenili counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Laitinen thinking.
Laitinen throws a leg kick which misses Fenili's front leg but catches the back leg as Fenili tries to avoid it.
Laitinen swings for the body but Fenili moves out of range.
Decent striking displayed by Laitinen there.
Laitinen throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Fenili makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Laitinen thuds a left hand into Fenili's body.
Fenili showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Laitinen.
Fenili misses with a low kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fenili tries to clinch but Laitinen is having none of it.
No luck for Fenili with that takedown attempt.
Fenili misses with a combination
and Laitinen counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Laitinen rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Fenili moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Fenili dives in and grabs Laitinen's left leg, looking for a takedown. Laitinen pushes down on Fenili's head and hops out.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Gabriel Fenili. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Fenili shoots in for a takedown but Laitinen shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Fenili checks a low kick from Laitinen.
No luck for Fenili with that takedown attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fenili takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Good exchange - Laitinen coming out on top.
Ilkka Laitinen seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Laitinen throws a head kick that misses.
Laitinen is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Fenili rather than just go for the knockout.
A jab from Laitinen finds it's way through Fenili's defenses.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Laitinen misses with a straight right.
Laitinen lets loose with a powerful body kick. Fenili will feel that in the morning.
Fenili takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Laitinen ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Fenili moves away.
Laitinen is looking to land body kicks.
Fenili slips a jab from Laitinen.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Laitinen stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Laitinen wants it to stay on the feet.
Fenili closes the distance and clinches up with Laitinen, looking for a takedown. Fenili pushes Laitinen against the cage but Laitinen circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Fenili tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Laitinen defends well and Fenili ends up having to push Laitinen into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Fenili is looking to take this one to the mat.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Fenili looking to slow down the pace here.
Laitinen lands a left hand.
Laitinen works on Fenili's body with a couple of short punches.
Fenili is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Laitinen gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Our sources have told us that Fenili has been working on his elbows in the gym.
The referee calls for Laitinen to work.
Laitinen lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Fenili backwards.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fenili is looking for a takedown.
Laitinen lands a hook to the side of the head.
Fenili is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Laitinen gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Laitinen lands a body punch in the clinch.
Laitinen scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Fenili is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Laitinen is defending well.
Fenili is trying to drag Laitinen to the mat but Laitinen just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Fenili jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Laitinen walks away with a smile on his face. Fenili gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Laitinen looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ilkka Laitinen showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
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. This is the final round!

Fenili avoids the body shot from Laitinen.
Laitinen throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Fenili shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Laitinen sprawls well. Laitinen wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Fenili gets slowly back to his feet.
Laitinen throws out a leg kick but Fenili moves out of range and Laitinen only half commits.
Laitinen listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Laitinen throws a right and a left that Fenili avoids nicely.
Laitinen connects with a leg kick. Fenili looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Laitinen throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Laitinen misses with an uppercut.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Fenili closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Laitinen did well to prevent Fenili getting side control.
Laitinen tries to get to full guard but Fenili has control of the leg.
Laitinen regains full guard. Nicely done.
Fenili advances to half guard.
Laitinen regains full guard. Nicely done.

Fenili drops back, looking for a kneebar! Laitinen looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Laitinen looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Laitinen!
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Laitinen throws an elbow but Fenili slips to the side and avoids it well.
Laitinen is looking to take a break and control but Fenili is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Fenili trying to remain calm as Laitinen controls from the top position.
Fenili is looking for a sweep.
Gabriel Fenili overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Laitinen controlling the position from side mount.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Laitinen tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
Fenili is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Laitinen's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Laitinen is looking to take a break and control but Fenili is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Fenili is looking to improve his position.

Fenili looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Fenili keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Fenili avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Laitinen.
Laitinen wants to pass the guard but Fenili is defending well.
Fenili manages to get to full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fenili keeping moving, preventing Laitinen from controlling successfully.
Fenili bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Laitinen's guard.
Laitinen is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Fenili is controlling him.
Laitinen is trying to control the position but Fenili postures up.
Fenili stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Laitinen swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Laitinen controls Fenili momentarily but Fenili frees himself.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Laitinen creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Fenili sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Fenili is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Fenili avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Laitinen.
Fenili tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Laitinen wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Laitinen tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
Fenili is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Laitinen misses with the ground and pound.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Fenili is trying to get back to half guard.
Fenili sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ilkka Laitinen comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Laitinen has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Marco Blurström scores the fight 28:29
Judge Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight 28:29
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ilkka Laitinen!
Ilkka Laitinen very nearly forgot to thank Milwaukee's Best 160 amongst all the excitement of his win but just as the interview came to a close, he screamed their name. Hopefully he'll get a few nice freebies in the mail as a thank you.