PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between James Sandford (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Antti Kristian Saatanainen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Sandford comes to the cage accompanied by Two steps from hell-Heart of courage. Saatanainen has chosen Irigy Hónaljmirigy - Rúgj Chuck Norris (Chuck Norris parody by Hungarians) as his entrance music. Antti Kristian Saatanainen has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Sandford
vs
Kristian Saatanainen

194 cm
25
240 lbs
9 - 6 - 0

196 cm
27
251 lbs
8 - 6 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

V-Mask Clothing (10%)

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 9 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, James Sandford!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Antti Kristian Saatanainen!
The judges for this bout are , Don Winkell and Timothy Bukovac.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
No luck for Saatanainen with that takedown attempt.
Saatanainen's coach down at Vicious Striking was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Saatanainen's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
Saatanainen lunges at Sandford with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Sandford's hand.

It looks like James Sandford has been cut.
No joy there for Sandford, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Saatanainen takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Sandford scores with a jab to the head.
A big right from Sandford misses.
Sandford throws a shot to the body.
Nice shot by Sandford.
Sandford feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Saatanainens jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Nice shot by Sandford.
Sloppy strikes from Sandford. Those never looked like landing.
Saatanainen drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Sandford defends it well.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Saatanainen takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Saatanainen fails with a takedown attempt.
No luck for Saatanainen with that takedown attempt.
It looked like Sandford wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
James Sandford has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Antti Kristian Saatanainen.
Sandford displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sandford throws out a powerful jab.
Saatanainen throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Sandford sees it coming and avoids it easily.
James Sandford is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Sandford looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Sandford swinging wildly here.
Sandford looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Saatanainen fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Sandford manages to avoid it.
Sandford misses with a few strikes there.
Sandford throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Saatanainen stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Saatanainen fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Sandford moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.

It looks like Antti Kristian Saatanainen has been cut.
Sandford defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Saatanainen.
Sandford connects with a jab.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Sandford stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Sandford rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Saatanainen moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Sandford lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Saatanainen circles away quickly and effectively.
Nice cross by Saatanainen.
Sandford throws a jab but it's blocked by Saatanainen.
Saatanainen let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sandford throws a body shot but no joy.
Saatanainen looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Sandford swinging wildly here.
Saatanainen looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Sandford is fending him off so far but Saatanainen persists. Nope, Sandford circles away and we're back to standing.

Saatanainen shoots in and bounces Sandford off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Sandford wants to sweep but no luck.
Sandford preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Sandford keeping full guard, as Saatanainen tries to pass.
Saatanainen forces his way into half guard.

Saatanainen is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Sandford doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Saatanainen.
Saatanainen trying to pass the guard but Sandford defending well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Saatanainen is working for a submission of some sort.
Saatanainen looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Sandford with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.

Saatanainen seems to be working for a kimura but Sandford defends the submission attempt.
Saatanainen prevents Sandford from improving his position.
Saatanainen throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.

Saatanainen is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Sandford defends it well.
Sandford is looking to control Saatanainen's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Sandford avoid being mounted?
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Saatanainen is looking for a kimura here.
Sandford is looking to improve his position.
Saatanainen not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Sandford is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Saatanainen's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Saatanainen's back!
Saatanainen has his hands over his head blocking the strikes from Sandford.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

James Sandford dominated that round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
That's time! Sandford's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Saatanainen shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Sandford sprawls well. Sandford wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Saatanainen gets slowly back to his feet.

Saatanainen fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Sandford sprawls well initially but Saatanainen persists and gets the takedown into half guard.

Saatanainen seems to be working for a kimura but Sandford defends the submission attempt.
Sandford trying to control here.
Sandford tries to get to full guard but Saatanainen has control of the leg.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Saatanainen is looking for a kimura but Sandford is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Saatanainen to get the leverage.
Sandford slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Sandford looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sandford is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Saatanainen can do to turn this around?
Saatanainen throws an elbow that misses. Sandford uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Saatanainen's guard. Nice move by Sandford!

Saatanainen looking to hit a scissor sweep but Sandford is one step ahead there.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Saatanainen has control of Sandford's left arm, preventing Sandford from doing any damage.
Saatanainen looking for a sweep. Not yet Saatanainen, not yet.
Saatanainen preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Sandford trying to control the position from guard on top but Saatanainen is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Sandford keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Saatanainen's head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Saatanainen keeping full guard, as Sandford tries to pass.
Sandford won't allow Saatanainen to sweep him here.
Sandford trying to control the position from guard on top but Saatanainen is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Sandford stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Saatanainen swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Sandford loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Sandford scores with a hook.
Sandford dips down and scores with a jab to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saatanainen throws an off balance right hand
and Sandford counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Sandford thuds his right hand into Saatanainen's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Sandford throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Saatanainen takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Sandford lands with a cross.
Sandford lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Saatanainen throws a hook but Sandford blocks it.
Saatanainen dodges the punch combination from Sandford.
Sandford lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
James Sandford is winning the standup battle so far.
Saatanainen is trying hard to land a takedown here. Sandford sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Sandford seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Sandford moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Sandford lands with a hook. Saatanainen tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Saatanainen tries for a takedown but Sandford circles away easily
and Sandford counters with a stiff right hand.
James Sandford has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Antti Kristian Saatanainen.
Sandford lands with a straight right. Saatanainen didn't see that one coming.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sandford misses with a few strikes there.
Saatanainen tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Horrible takedown attempt by Saatanainen or perhaps it was just good defense by Sandford, which made it look bad.
Sandford throws a right and a left that Saatanainen avoids nicely.
Sandford throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Sandford keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Saatanainen misses with a kick to the body.

Saatanainen feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Sandford lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Sandford in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Saatanainen lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Sandford working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Saatanainen doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Saatanainen manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

James Sandford dominated that second round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Saatanainen closes the distance but Sandford moves to the side
and Sandford counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Saatanainen will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Sandford misses with a straight left.
Saatanainen is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Saatanainen closes this distance looking for a takedown but Sandford circles away.
Saatanainen avoids a punch combination nicely.
James Sandford is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Sandford scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Saatanainen uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Sandford.
Saatanainen closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Saatanainen dives in and grabs Sandford's left leg, looking for a takedown. Sandford pushes down on Saatanainen's head and hops out.
James Sandford has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Antti Kristian Saatanainen.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Saatanainen moves in looking to clinch but Sandford pushes him off.
Saatanainen with a poor takedown
and Sandford connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Saatanainen.
Sandford ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sandford lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Jab by Sandford.
Saatanainen takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Saatanainen shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Sandford but Sandford pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Sandford went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Saatanainen has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Sandford scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Saatanainen with a poor takedown
and Sandford counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Sandford throws a right and a left that Saatanainen avoids nicely.
Saatanainen doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Sandford slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Sandford cracks Saatanainen with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Sandford lands the left hand.
Saatanainen with a lazy takedown attempt
and Sandford cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Sandford works over Saatanainen's head and body with a nice combination.
Saatanainen fails with a takedown attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sandford jabs Saatanainen to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Sandford misses with a wild combination.
Sandford moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Saatanainen slips a jab and a cross from Sandford.
Saatanainen tries for a takedown but Sandford circles away easily
and Sandford counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Sandford throws a nice looking combination but Saatanainen bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Sandford connects with a nice looking jab.
Saatanainen misses with a takedown attempt
and Sandford counters with a stiff right hand.
Sandford fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Saatanainen looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Sandford lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Sandford tries to bum rush Saatanainen with a series of wild strikes but Saatanainen uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Saatanainen shoots in for a takedown but Sandford shows good takedown defense.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sandford lands a nice hook to Saatanainen's body. Saatanainen takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
A right-left combo lands from Sandford.
Sandford lands a jab.
Saatanainen on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Nice body punch from Sandford.
Saatanainen throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Sandford's waist but Sandford gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Saatanainen off to one side.
Sandford throws a right and a left that both miss.
Saatanainen on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Saatanainen misses with a two punch combination.
Sandford displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Nice jab there from Sandford.
Sandford keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Sandford was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
The crowd cheers as Sandford lands an impressive looking overhand right. Saatanainen doesn't seem phased though.
Antti Kristian Saatanainen has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Sandford closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Saatanainen did well to prevent Sandford getting side control.
Sandford seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Saatanainen does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Saatanainen moves into full guard.
Saatanainen keeping moving, preventing Sandford from controlling successfully.
Sandford sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Saatanainen's guard.
Sandford slips a nice elbow through Saatanainen's hands, connecting with Saatanainen's forehead.
Saatanainen is looking to improve his position.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Sandford is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Saatanainen sees it coming and defends easily.
James Sandford is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Sandford controlling the pace.

And that's the end of the fight!
James Sandford showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Sandford, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 30:26
Judge Don Winkell scores the fight 30:26
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 30:26

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... James Sandford!
James Sandford was full of energy after the big win and talked about how he thinks he can do big things in this sport. The crowd were appreciative of his determination to succeed.
Antti Kristian Saatanainen was interviewed post fight and said 'best 2 of 3?'.