PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Jorma Poskiparta (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and John Oconnell (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Poskiparta's entrance music is XXL Feat. Peter Steiner - It's Cool Man. A fine choice. John Oconnell has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Poskiparta
vs
Oconnell

150 cm
21
300 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

185 cm
19
280 lbs
3 - 3 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
KO power

Good takedowns
Brawler
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Jorma Poskiparta!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, John Oconnell!
The judges for this bout are , Timothy Bukovac and Jack Bonds.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Poskiparta has closed the distance and engaged Oconnell in a clinch.
Oconnell blocks a body shot from Poskiparta.
A short right from Poskiparta on the inside.

It looks like John Oconnell has been cut.
Poskiparta prevents the takedown attempt.
Poskiparta lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Oconnell tries for a takedown. No joy.
Poskiparta unloads a knee to the mid-section. Oconnell lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Oconnell looks gassed!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Poskiparta throws a knee to the head but misses.
Poskiparta has Oconnell pushed against the cage.
Poskiparta landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Poskiparta taking a breather.
Poskiparta tries a knee to the head but Oconnell blocks it.
Poskiparta crunches a lovely knee into Oconnell's ribcage.
Poskiparta scores with a knee to the head.

That has opened up John Oconnell's cut even more.
Oconnell is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Poskiparta pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Jorma Poskiparta has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of John Oconnell.
The referee calls for Poskiparta to work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Jorma Poskiparta.

Oconnell tries to keep at a distance but Poskiparta has taken the fight into the clinch.
Poskiparta using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Poskiparta lands a knee to the body.

Poskiparta breaks from the clinch.
Oconnell avoids the head kick by Poskiparta.

Poskiparta moves into the clinch.
Poskiparta with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Poskiparta leaning his opponent against the cage.

Oconnell turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control!
Poskiparta is not content to let Oconnell control the position.
Poskiparta might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Oconnell works to advance to full mount. Poskiparta defends for a few seconds but eventually he succumbs.
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.
Oconnell has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Poskiparta's face.
Oconnell lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
Oconnell unloading with bombs!
Poskiparta is in a horrible position here. Oconnell smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Oconnell lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Oconnell raining down shots from the mount!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Poskiparta is not a happy chappy… he wants out of there.
Oconnell lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
Oconnell is landing with some decent strikes but Poskiparta is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.
Oconnell landing strikes from the mount and Poskiparta is in trouble!
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Oconnell cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Oconnell putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
Oconnell working Poskiparta over with strikes here.
Oconnell pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Oconnell is landing with some decent strikes but Poskiparta is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Oconnell cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Oconnell landing strikes, looking to finish!
Oconnell should think about turning a few of those tyres round his middle into muscle if he wants people to take him seriously as an athlete.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Oconnell cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
BOOM! Oconnell connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Oconnell raining down shots from the mount!
Oconnell scoring with strikes but Poskiparta is staying in there.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Oconnell working the ground and pound effectively.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Oconnell dominating with strikes here.
Oconnell pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
We're hearing some news coming in from back stage. It's official - Oconnell has eaten all the pies!
Poskiparta takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.
Oconnell working Poskiparta over with strikes here.
A nice elbow there by Oconnell.
Oconnell dominating with strikes here.
Oconnell working the ground and pound effectively.
Oconnell scores with a couple of good head shots there.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Oconnell landing strikes from the mount and Poskiparta is in trouble!
Oconnell landing punches.
Oconnell unloading with bombs!
Oconnell landing strikes, looking to finish!
Oconnell looking to finish with strikes here!
Oconnell sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
Poskiparta holding onto his opponent's waist for dear life, as Oconnell tries to land some strikes to get him to release his grip.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Poskiparta takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.
Oconnell lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
Poskiparta really wants to buck Oconnell off and get back to his feet.
Oconnell landing strikes from the mount and Poskiparta is in trouble!
Oconnell postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Poskiparta looks a forlorn figure.
Oconnell won't let Poskiparta get back to his feet... He wants to keep the fight where it is for now.
Oconnell looking to finish Poskiparta with some ground and pound. This is bad for Poskiparta!

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Poskiparta is in a horrible position here. Oconnell smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
Oconnell lands with some strikes.
Oconnell lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
Oconnell connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Oconnell has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Oconnell lands a nice shot to the head.
Oconnell won't let Poskiparta get back to his feet... He wants to keep the fight where it is for now.
Oconnell lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Poskiparta hang on?
Oconnell with good strikes from the mount here!

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Oconnell scores with a couple of good head shots there.
Oconnell lands a big elbow.
Oconnell pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
Oconnell looking to finish Poskiparta with some ground and pound. This is bad for Poskiparta!
Oconnell scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish Poskiparta?
Poskiparta wants to use the cage to get back to his feet here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Oconnell lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
Poskiparta is bucking up trying to escape but Oconnell cracks him with another couple of good strikes.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but John Oconnell will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on John Oconnell's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Oconnell looks for a takedown but Poskiparta sprawls well.
Jorma Poskiparta is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Poskiparta tries to close the distance and clinch but Oconnell swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
No luck for Oconnell with that takedown attempt.

Poskiparta moves into range and clinches up with Oconnell.
Oconnell has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Poskiparta is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Jorma Poskiparta has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of John Oconnell.
Poskiparta with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Poskiparta scores a nice knee to the body.
Poskiparta lands an elbow that stopped Oconnell in his tracks for a moment.
Poskiparta is pressed up against the cage. Oconnell has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Poskiparta down to the mat. Poskiparta avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Oconnell tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Poskiparta counters with an inside leg kick.

Oconnell shoots in and bounces Poskiparta off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Poskiparta working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Oconnell.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Oconnell trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Oconnell advances position into side control!
Poskiparta dodges the ground and pound from Oconnell.
Poskiparta is not in a great position here, taking some shots.
Oconnell working the strikes but Poskiparta uses the opportunity to regain half guard.
Oconnell missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Oconnell frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Oconnell lands a heavy elbow.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Poskiparta is trying to stand.
Oconnell lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
Poskiparta takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.
Oconnell looking to finish Poskiparta with some ground and pound. This is bad for Poskiparta!
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Oconnell cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
John Oconnell has got the better of the ground game so far.
Oconnell looking to ground and pound but Poskiparta is blocking nicely.
Oconnell sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
Poskiparta avoids a series of strikes thrown by Oconnell.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Oconnell with a couple of short strikes.
Oconnell throwing sloppy strikes, which aren't doing any damage.
Oconnell cracks Poskiparta with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
Oconnell punching from mount but Poskiparta doing a good job of avoiding damage.
Oconnell lands with some strikes.
Oconnell throws some wild stikes that Poskiparta manages to avoid easily.
Poskiparta suckers Oconnell into throwing a sloppy strike and uses the momentum to reverse the position beautifully! Poskiparta is now in Oconnell's guard!
Oconnell throwing some rather feeble looking strikes off his back.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Oconnell trying to punch from his back but it's not doing any damage.
Poskiparta wanted to stand there but Oconnell had control of the position.
Oconnell lands an upkick as Poskiparta stands over him.
Oconnell punching to the body, from the bottom.
Poskiparta won't allow Oconnell to sweep him here.
Oconnell striking off his back but it's not causing Poskiparta any problems.
Oconnell manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Oconnell scoring with strikes but Poskiparta is staying in there.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Poskiparta is in a horrible position here. Oconnell smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
Oconnell is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Poskiparta can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
Oconnell cracks Poskiparta with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
Oconnell dominating with strikes here.
Oconnell pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
Oconnell working the ground and pound effectively.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Oconnell dominating with strikes here.
Oconnell pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
Oconnell lands a big elbow.
Oconnell thuds his fist into the canvas! Oooouch!
Oconnell is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Poskiparta can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
BOOM! Oconnell connects with a massive shot to the dome!
BOOM! Oconnell connects with a massive shot to the dome!

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Oconnell with a couple of short strikes.
Oconnell landing shots from mount.
Oconnell working Poskiparta over with strikes here.
Oconnell lands a big shot there that rocks Poskiparta but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
Oconnell thuds his fist into the canvas! Oooouch!
Oconnell dominating with strikes here.
A nice elbow there by Oconnell.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Oconnell lands with some strikes.
Oconnell throwing strikes here but Poskiparta is writhing around nicely and avoiding any serious damage.
Oconnell fakes a shot to the body and cracks his opponent in the head. Nice ground and pound there!
Oconnell connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Poor strikes thrown by Oconnell there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!
Oconnell unloading with bombs!
Oconnell scores with a couple of good head shots there.
A nice elbow there by Oconnell.
Oconnell throws some wild stikes that Poskiparta manages to avoid easily.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Poor strikes thrown by Oconnell there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!
Oconnell looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.
Oconnell has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Poskiparta's face.
Oconnell lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
Oconnell scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish Poskiparta?
Oconnell thowing shots but they're missing.
Poskiparta in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Oconnell throwing sloppy strikes here. Perhaps if he tightened up his striking from such a dominant position, he'd be able to finish easier.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

John Oconnell showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on John Oconnell's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Oconnell blocks the body kick.
Oconnell shoots for a double leg takedown but Poskiparta sprawls well. He's pushed Oconnell's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Poskiparta tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Oconnell gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Poskiparta counters with a flying knee. Nice.
Oconnell fails with the takedown

and Poskiparta counters by clinching up.
Jorma Poskiparta has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of John Oconnell.
Oconnell has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Poskiparta avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Jorma Poskiparta has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Poskiparta comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.

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

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Poskiparta tries to land knees in the clinch but Oconnell avoids the damage to the body.
Poskiparta trying to control the position but instead, Oconnell has worked for underhooks and has pushed Poskiparta into the cage.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Oconnell tries for a takedown. No joy.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Oconnell drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Poskiparta with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Oconnell is working for takedown but Poskiparta is calmly controlling the position for now.
Poskiparta lands a knee to the body.

Poskiparta breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Poskiparta is looking to clinch but Oconnell is avoiding it.
Oconnell fails with the takedown
and Poskiparta counters with a flying knee. Nice.
Oconnell misses with a takedown attempt - Poskiparta sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.

Oconnell closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Poskiparta to the mat! Poskiparta manages to get full guard.
Poskiparta can't keep his opponent in guard - Oconnell advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Oconnell throwing shots but Poskiparta is blocking nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Oconnell tries to pass the half guard into mount. Poskiparta knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Oconnell looks to land a strike but Poskiparta avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
Oconnell throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Oconnell postures up in Poskiparta's guard and throws a big left but Poskiparta blocks it.
Oconnell throwing strikes from guard but Poskiparta blocks nicely.
Poskiparta preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Oconnell lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Oconnell postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Poskiparta tries to clinch but Oconnell moves out of range.
A head kick misses from Poskiparta.
Oconnell fails to land the takedown.
Oconnell tries for a takedown but Poskiparta circles away easily

and Poskiparta counters by moving into the clinch.
Poskiparta scores with a knee to the head.
Poskiparta throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Oconnell blocks it with crossed arms.
Oconnell has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Poskiparta is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Poskiparta prevents a takedown attempt there.
A knee to the head by Poskiparta.
Poskiparta lands a nice knee to the body.
Poskiparta stalling in the clinch but Oconnell improves position.
Oconnell has Poskiparta pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Poskiparta manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Poskiparta misses with a knee strike.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Poskiparta gets underhooks to prevent Oconnell's takedown attempt.
Oconnell has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Poskiparta avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Poskiparta with a knee to the head.
Poskiparta using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Oconnell has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Oconnell avoids the elbow strike from Poskiparta, against the cage.
Poskiparta throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Oconnell blocks it with crossed arms.
Oconnell wants to stall.
A knee to the head by Poskiparta.
Oconnell is trying to break free.
Poskiparta is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Oconnell drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Poskiparta looking to throw knees to the head but Oconnell is blocking nicely.
Oconnell can't get the takedown.
Poskiparta with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.

That's five minutes gone in the round.

Poskiparta breaks from the clinch.
Oconnell wants to clinch but Poskiparta slips to the side

and Poskiparta moves into the clinch.
Oconnell tries to score a body lock takedown but Poskiparta shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Poskiparta with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Poskiparta looking to slow down the pace here.
Oconnell is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Poskiparta tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Oconnell is working for takedown but Poskiparta is calmly controlling the position for now.
Oconnell is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Poskiparta lands a nice knee to the body.
Poskiparta scores a nice knee to the body.
Oconnell is trying to drag Poskiparta to the mat but Poskiparta just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Oconnell being controlled against the cage.
Poskiparta lands an elbow inside.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Oconnell has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Poskiparta avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Oconnell wants a takedown.
Poskiparta lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Poskiparta with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Oconnell wants a takedown.
Knees in the clinch landing for Poskiparta.
Poskiparta is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Oconnell looking for a takedown.

Poskiparta manages to break the clinch.
Oconnell fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Oconnell shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Poskiparta as he jumps to the side.
Oconnell has a takedown stuffed.
Oconnell slips a jab and a cross from Poskiparta.
Jorma Poskiparta has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's seven minutes gone in the round.

Oconnell moves into the clinch.
Poskiparta prevents a takedown attempt there.
Poskiparta with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Oconnell has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Poskiparta is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Poskiparta wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Oconnell tries to score a body lock takedown but Poskiparta shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Poskiparta lands an elbow inside.
Knees in the clinch landing for Poskiparta.
Oconnell blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Oconnell is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.

Oconnell has clasped his hands together around Poskiparta's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.
Oconnell throwing strikes but missing, from side control.
Oconnell tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.
Oconnell misses with an attempted head punch from side control.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Poskiparta regains half guard, as Oconnell was trying to land strikes.
Poskiparta is not content to let Oconnell control the position.
Poskiparta taking some punishment here, with Oconnell in his half guard.
Oconnell drops an elbow to the side of Poskiparta's head.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Oconnell slips a nice elbow through Poskiparta's hands, connecting with Poskiparta's forehead.
Poskiparta avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Oconnell.
Oconnell not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Oconnell wants to pass to mount but Poskiparta is defending the position.
Ground and pound from Oconnell.
Poskiparta keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Poskiparta is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Oconnell scores with a couple of nice shots.
John Oconnell is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Oconnell is figuring out what he wants to do next.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jorma Poskiparta showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Oconnell 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 Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 28:29
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 28:29
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 29:29

In favor of your winner, by majority decision... John Oconnell!