PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Henkka Seppala (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kenta Kobashi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Seppala comes into the arena with Children of Bodom - Smile pretty for the devil blaring out of the sound system. Kobashi has chosen DJ Krush - Kemuri as his entrance music. The atmosphere really building for this one as we go over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Seppala
vs
Kobashi

182 cm
26
187 lbs
12 - 3 - 1

186 cm
26
198 lbs
20 - 5 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin

Hellbent

KAISER

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 3 - 1, fighting out of Montreal, Henkka Seppala!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 20 - 5 - 0, fighting out of New York, Kenta Kobashi!
The judges for this bout are Jonathan Paton, Jorge Garcia and David Schapiro.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kobashi throws a leg kick

and Seppala counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Kobashi!
Kobashi is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Kobashi can't do much from the bottom here.
Seppala lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Kobashi down.
Seppala has knee on belly and moves into mount.
Seppala lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Kobashi hang on?
Seppala raining down shots from the mount!
Seppala with a couple of short strikes.
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!
Seppala lands a big shot there that rocks Kobashi but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
We've been hearing good reports from Seppala's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kobashi is looking to get to half guard.
Seppala thuds his fist into the canvas! Oooouch!
Kobashi wriggling around on the bottom manages to avoid the strikes thrown by Seppala.
Kobashi is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Kobashi tries to lock up and control but Seppala gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Seppala fakes a shot to the body and cracks his opponent in the head. Nice ground and pound there!
Seppala raining down shots from the mount!

Seppala is thinking about an arm triangle here, looking to tighten it up before moving to side control. Kobashi can see it coming though and defends well with a couple of strikes to the head and some good arm positioning.
Seppala has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Seppala landing strikes from the mount and Kobashi is in trouble!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Seppala in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Kobashi is bucking up trying to escape but Seppala cracks him with another couple of good strikes.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Seppala looking to finish with strikes here!
Kobashi is in all sorts of trouble here.
Kobashi has found himself in a tricky position here. He's been working his transitions in training so let's see if he can work his way out of it.
Seppala lands a heavy elbow.

Seppala has hold of Kobashi's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and Kobashi manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.
Kobashi is in all sorts of trouble here.
Kobashi is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Seppala looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.
Seppala prevents Kobashi from getting the reversal.
Seppala with a couple of short strikes.
Seppala wants to control the pace but Kobashi is squirming around nicely.
Kobashi is wriggling around trying to escape.
Kobashi is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Seppala with shots to the head and body - Kobashi looks very uncomfortable down there.
Seppala is stalling here but it's allowed Kobashi to get half guard.
Seppala looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Kobashi is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Seppala's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Seppala's back!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kobashi misses with a punch to the head.
Kobashi is trying to stick to Seppala's back but Seppala is turning into Kobashi. He's managed to reverse the position - now he's in Kobashi's guard. Polite applause from the crowd in appreciation of some nice Jiu Jitsu by Seppala.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kobashi keeping full guard, as Seppala tries to pass.
Seppala wants to control from the top but Kobashi keeps moving.
Seppala is working Kobashi over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Seppala postures up in Kobashi's guard and throws a big left but Kobashi blocks it.
Seppala trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Kobashi is trying to keep Seppala in close.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Henkka Seppala dominated that round.
That's time! Seppala's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Kobashi fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Kobashi throws a front kick aimed at Seppala's knee but Seppala avoids it well.
Kobashi with a hook.
Seppala takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Kobashi swings and misses with a shot to the body

and Seppala counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Seppala.
Kobashi wants to improve his position but instead Seppala has moved into half guard.
Kobashi throws a strike from the bottom that misses.
Seppala missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Seppala working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Seppala is trying to control the action in half guard but Kobashi is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Seppala wants to pass to mount but Kobashi is defending the position.
Seppala missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Seppala wants to control but Kobashi is keeping him busy.
Kobashi is trying to get back to full guard.
Kobashi trying to control from the bottom.
Seppala thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Kobashi is looking to improve his position.
Seppala seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Kobashi does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Kobashi works his way to full guard. Good work.
Seppala engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Seppala trying to control but Kobashi is working from the bottom.

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.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Seppala fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kobashi manages to avoid it.
Kobashi tried to score with a low kick but Seppala checks it.
Seppala misses with a left hand
enabling Kobashi to counter with a crisp jab.
That kick from Kobashi tenderised Seppala's leg. Seppala is trying to keep his angry face on.
Seppala waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Kobashi.
Danga de danga de dang - Seppala scores with a four punch combination!
Seppala punishes Kobashi's body with a nice straight punch.
Nice cross by Seppala.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Seppala misses the jab.
Seppala feints and then cracks Kobashi's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Kobashi down.
Seppala is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Kobashi can do to turn this around?
Kobashi misses with a leg kick

so Seppala counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Seppala postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Seppala trying to control the position from guard on top but Kobashi is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Seppala throws a big elbow that misses.
Seppala in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Seppala preventing the sweep.
Seppala trying to control the position from guard on top but Kobashi is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Seppala stopping the sweep attempt from Kobashi.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Seppala keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Kobashi's head.
Seppala slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Kobashi working a defensive guard here.
Seppala tries to free his leg and advance position but Kobashi is retaining full guard.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Seppala is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Seppala working some strikes from top position.
Seppala passes into half guard under a barage of strikes.
Seppala is controlling the pace.
Seppala looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Henkka Seppala dominated that second round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Seppala throws a jab but it's blocked by Kobashi.
Kobashi takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Kobashi moves out of range as Seppala throws a body kick.
Kobashi lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Kobashi throws a wild body kick that Seppala sees coming a mile off.
Kobashi tries a head kick but it misses.
A big right from Kobashi misses.
Seppala tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Seppala throws out a loose jab but Kobashi uses good head movement to avoid it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kobashi lands a head kick!
Kobashi slips under a jab.
Kenta Kobashi seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kobashi pulls out of a head kick attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Seppala throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Kobashi takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Seppala tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Seppala avoids the head kick by Kobashi.
Seppala takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Kobashi throws a chopping leg kick but Seppala manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Kobashi defending well as Seppala loads up on a big left hand.
Seppala rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Kobashi moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Kobashi uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Seppala.
Kobashi ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Seppala moves away.
Seppala scores with a nice body kick.
Kobashi thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Seppala if he has to take too many more of those.
Seppala shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kobashi throws a low kick but Seppala avoids it.
Seppala takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Kobashi feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Seppala's calf.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Nice uppercut lands for Seppala. That snapped Kobashi's head back.
Kobashi wants to land a leg kick but Seppala is out of range.
Kobashi throws a jab when Seppala was well out of range.
Seppala misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kobashi.
Kobashi checks a low kick from Seppala.
Kobashi tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Seppala was well out of range. Poor timing from Kobashi.
Kenta Kobashi is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Seppala thuds his right hand into Kobashi's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Kobashi throws a solid leg kick but Seppala takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Kobashi.
Kobashi ducks under a wild hook from Seppala.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kobashi throws a head kick but Seppala moves out of range.
Kobashi walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Seppala swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Seppala throws a looping overhand right but Kobashi ducks down to avoid it.
Kobashi throws a head kick that misses.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Kobashi.
Seppala throws a right and a left that both miss.
Kobashi looks to land a body kick but Seppala moved away.
Seppala lands with an overhand left.
Seppala throws a looping overhand right but Kobashi ducks down to avoid it.
Seppala lands with a good body shot.
Seppala tries to bum rush Kobashi with a series of wild strikes but Kobashi uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Seppala on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kobashi swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Seppala scores with a jab to the head.
Kobashi uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Seppala.
A cross from Kobashi lands.
Seppala misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Kobashi cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Kobashi uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Seppala.
Nice takedown defense from Kobashi. No joy for Seppala on that attempt.
A looping hook to the body misses from Seppala. Kobashi does a little dance to reset his feet.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Kobashi lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Seppala has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Seppala and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Kobashi.
Kobashi connects with a right hand. Seppala shakes it off.
Kobashi cracks Seppala with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Kenta Kobashi just about did enough to take it.
That's time! Back to the action!

Kobashi doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Kobashi misses with a body kick.
Kobashi takes a swing at Seppala's ribcage but misses.
Kobashi misses with a hook.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Kobashi.
Seppala throws out a loose jab but Kobashi uses good head movement to avoid it.
Seppala throws a head kick that misses.
Kobashi shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Kobashi misses with a straight right.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
That kick from Kobashi tenderised Seppala's leg. Seppala is trying to keep his angry face on.
Kobashi cracks Seppala with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Seppala throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Kobashi throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kobashi tries a head kick but it misses.
Seppala avoids the body shot from Kobashi.
Seppala missing with a left hand there. Kobashi was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Kobashi misses with a straight right.
Seppala cracks Kobashi with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Seppala lands with a nice body punch.
Seppala jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Kobashi looks to throw the jab but Seppala is out of range.
Seppala checks the leg kick nicely there.
Kobashi cracks a nice hook into Seppala's ribs.
Kobashi ducks under a wild hook from Seppala.
Seppala scores to the head and body with a nice combination!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lazy body kick from Kobashi

and Seppala counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
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!
Seppala is pressing down on Kobashi's thigh, looking to free his foot. Kobashi is holding on for now.
Seppala drops an elbow to the side of Kobashi's head.
Kobashi wants to control but Seppala is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Seppala sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Kobashi defending well though.
Kobashi wants to control but Seppala is keeping busy.
Seppala not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Kobashi wants to improve his position but Seppala is controlling well.
Kobashi is pressing down on Seppala's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Seppala lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Seppala loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Seppala trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Kobashi managing to control the position.
Kobashi 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.
Seppala postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Henkka Seppala overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Seppala trying to control the position from guard on top but Kobashi is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Kobashi 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 referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Seppala takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Kobashi misses with a hook. Seppala ducked under it nicely.
Kobashi jabs Seppala right on the nose. Seppala blinks but takes it well.
Seppala scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Kobashi is looking to score with low kicks.
Kobashi lets loose with a powerful body kick. Seppala will feel that in the morning.
Seppala stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
A jab from Kobashi misses.
Kobashi chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Kobashi misses with a shot to the body

and Seppala counters with a single leg into guard. Kobashi didn't expect that.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Henkka Seppala had his way with Kenta Kobashi in that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!

Kobashi throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Kobashi misses with a head kick.
Kobashi throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Seppala sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Kobashi, right into the meat.
Seppala rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Kobashi moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Seppala moves out of range of the leg kick from Kobashi.
Seppala throws a looping overhand right but Kobashi ducks down to avoid it.
Kobashi tries a head kick but it misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Seppala scores with a jab to the head.
Kobashi fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Seppala has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Kobashi tried to score with a low kick but Seppala checks it.
Seppala works Kobashi's body with a nice hook.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kobashi attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Seppala lands a nice shot that snaps Kobashi's head back.
A looping hook to the body misses from Seppala. Kobashi does a little dance to reset his feet.
Good shot there by Seppala.
Seppala avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Seppala is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Kobashi.
Kobashi slips a jab from Seppala.
Seppala throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Seppala is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
A punch combination from Seppala misses.
Kobashi lands a leg kick that knocks Seppala off balance momentarily.
Seppala uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Kobashi.
An inside leg kick lands from Kobashi.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Seppala blocks a jab.
Kobashi dodges the punch combination from Seppala.
Kobashi swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Seppala takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Seppala misses with a few strikes there.
Kenta Kobashi has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kobashi throws a wild body kick that Seppala sees coming a mile off.
Kobashi throws a hook to the side of Seppala's head but Seppala sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Kobashi avoids a punch combination nicely.
That kick from Kobashi tenderised Seppala's leg. Seppala is trying to keep his angry face on.
Kobashi keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Seppala throws a hook but Kobashi avoids it easily.
Kobashi dips to his left and cracks Seppala with an uppercut!
Kobashi fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Seppala is out of range.
Seppala blocks a head kick by Kobashi.
Seppala ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Kobashi blocks a leg kick.
Seppala misses with a wild combination.
That kick from Kobashi tenderised Seppala's leg. Seppala is trying to keep his angry face on.
Seppala takes a swing at Kobashi's ribcage but misses.
Kobashi connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Seppala pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Kobashi pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Kobashi looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Kobashi tries to land a front kick but Seppala steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Seppala jabs Kobashi to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Kobashi throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
A big left from Kobashi misses.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Seppala throws a leg kick but Kobashi sees it coming and moves out of range.
Kobashi works the jab nicely.
Seppala connects with a high kick.
Seppala throws a head kick that misses.
Seppala throws a poor cross that misses
and Kobashi counters with a slapping leg kick.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Kenta Kobashi.
I think Seppala 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 Jonathan Paton scores the fight 48:47
Judge Jorge Garcia scores the fight 50:45
Judge David Schapiro scores the fight 49:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Henkka Seppala!
Henkka Seppala retains his middleweight title!
An out of breath Henkka Seppala thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.