PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Mika Saarenpaa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ricky Ponting (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The atmosphere really building for this one as we go over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Saarenpaa
vs
Ponting

183 cm
26
170 lbs
14 - 4 - 0

170 cm
36
160 lbs
27 - 24 - 0

Good wrestling
World class MT
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Instinct
GREEN!160

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 14 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Mika Saarenpaa!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 27 - 24 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Ricky Ponting!
The judges for this bout are Marco Blurström, Johanna Lukiainen and Roosa Järviläinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ponting throws a big shot that misses.
Saarenpaa moves out of range of the strikes.
Saarenpaa fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Ponting.
Ponting keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Saarenpaa scores with a jab.
Ponting misses with the combination.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Saarenpaa, as that shot connected.
Saarenpaa lands a slapping body shot.
Saarenpaa misses with a body kick.
Saarenpaa fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Ponting manages to avoid it.
Ponting throws out a counter right but Saarenpaa avoids it with no problem.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Saarenpaa has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Saarenpaa with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Ponting to score with a decent uppercut.
This has been an exciting period of action!
The fighters circling - Ponting throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Saarenpaa takes one to the chin there.
Saarenpaa avoids the head kick by Ponting.
Good work by Saarenpaa as he checks the leg kick.
As Ponting backs away, Saarenpaa returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ponting misses with a looping left.
A solid leg kick lands there for Saarenpaa.
Mika Saarenpaa is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Saarenpaa dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Ponting. That did some damage!
Saarenpaa takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Ponting has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.
Saarenpaa fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Ponting checks it well.
Saarenpaa pivots, looking for a leg kick but Ponting is out of range and Saarenpaa settles back down.
Ponting throws out a powerful jab.
Saarenpaa displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Ponting throws out the jab.
Saarenpaa throws a low kick but it's checked well by Ponting.
Saarenpaa connects with a single shot there.

Ponting shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Saarenpaa is trying to defend but Ponting finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Saarenpaa is looking to escape.
Ponting throwing shots but Saarenpaa is blocking nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Saarenpaa is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Ponting scores with a couple of nice shots.
Saarenpaa blocking the ground and pound attempt from Ponting.
Saarenpaa avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Ponting.
Ponting is keen to just control but Saarenpaa is a slippery customer.
Ponting is trying to advance to mount but he's lost his balance and Saarenpaa reverses the position - he's now on top in Ponting's guard.
Saarenpaa will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.

Ponting looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

Ponting throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! Saarenpaa escapes and throws Ponting's legs to the side, diving into side control!
Ponting is trying to improve his position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ponting gives up the full mount - oops, sloppy defensive grappling there!
Ponting is looking to get to half guard.
Saarenpaa wants to control the pace but Ponting is squirming around nicely.
Ponting tries to hold on but Saarenpaa postures up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Saarenpaa sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Saarenpaa can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Ponting is looking to escape.
Saarenpaa knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Ponting on the ground.
Ponting working to try and regain half guard.
Ponting manages to regain half guard. Good work.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Ricky Ponting will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action!

Saarenpaa throws a leg kick but Ponting sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Saarenpaa dodges the punch combination from Ponting.
Jab from Ponting.
Ponting ducks under a wild hook from Saarenpaa.
Ponting throws a leg kick but Saarenpaa sees it coming and moves out of range.
Ponting throws a lazy right hand but Saarenpaa sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Saarenpaa keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Ponting.
Ponting scores with a nice right hand.
Saarenpaa throws a head kick that half lands.
A jab from Ponting finds it's way through Saarenpaa's defenses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ponting misses with the combination.
Ponting fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Saarenpaa manages to avoid it.
Nice jab there from Saarenpaa.
Ponting lands a jab to Saarenpaa's midsection.
Ricky Ponting seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ponting on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Ponting waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Saarenpaa.
It looked like Saarenpaa was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Ponting.
Saarenpaa throws a leg kick
and Ponting counters with a nice uppercut.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Ponting.
It looked like Saarenpaa was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Ponting.
Ponting throws a hook but Saarenpaa blocks it.
Saarenpaa lands a really nice looking cross but Ponting seems unphased.
Ponting throws a right hand that misses
and Saarenpaa counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Ponting's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Saarenpaa connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Ponting scrambles back to his feet.
Saarenpaa tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Ponting was well out of range. Poor timing from Saarenpaa.
Ponting looks to throw the jab but Saarenpaa is out of range.
A bone on bone clash there as Ponting blocks the leg kick.
Ponting misses with a hook. Saarenpaa ducked under it nicely.
Saarenpaa is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Saarenpaa has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Ponting finds it's way round the side to connect with Saarenpaa's head.
Saarenpaa scores with a jab to the jaw.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Ponting fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Saarenpaa is out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ponting throws the left hand but Saarenpaa avoids the punch easily.
The fighters circle momentarily. Saarenpaa darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Ponting chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Saarenpaa can pounce on him.
Ponting's corner calls for a 1-2. Ponting obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Saarenpaa feints and then cracks Ponting's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Ponting down.
Saarenpaa misses with a body shot.
Saarenpaa tries to land a front kick but Ponting steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Saarenpaa throws a leg kick that is checked
and Saarenpaa takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Saarenpaa scores with a body shot.
A head kick misses from Saarenpaa.
Ponting changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Ponting misses with an uppercut
and Saarenpaa counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
A slow jab from Ponting misses its intended target.
Saarenpaa fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Ponting is out of range.
Ponting throws an overhand right that lands on Saarenpaa's shoulder, as Saarenpaa tries to avoid the shot.
Saarenpaa drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ponting lands with a good body shot.
Ponting rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Saarenpaa counters with a nice uppercut.
Saarenpaa ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Ponting ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Saarenpaa avoids the head kick by Ponting.
Ponting avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Ponting throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Saarenpaa misses with the body kick
enabling Ponting to counter with a crisp jab.
Saarenpaa lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Ponting slips under a jab.
Saarenpaa lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Saarenpaa avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Ponting cracks Saarenpaa with an open hand slap.
Ponting moves into range and connects with a jab.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Ponting misses with a hook
enabling Saarenpaa to counter with a crisp jab.
Ponting misses with an uppercut
and Saarenpaa counters with a leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Saarenpaa lands with a kick to the temple. Ponting shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Saarenpaa just misses with a punch to the body.
Ponting pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Ponting misses with an uppercut.
Ponting fails with a takedown attempt.
Ponting connects with a good right hand that stumbles Saarenpaa. Saarenpaa circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Ponting shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Mika Saarenpaa has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ricky Ponting.
Saarenpaa lands a nice looking body shot.
The fighters circling - Ponting throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Saarenpaa scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Saarenpaa plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
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 Mika Saarenpaa will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Saarenpaa swings for the body but Ponting moves out of range.
Ponting misses with a wild body shot.
Saarenpaa swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Saarenpaa lands a head shot.
Ponting dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Saarenpaa moves into range and connects with a jab.
Ponting waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Saarenpaa.
Ponting takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Ponting cracks Saarenpaa with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Ponting looks to land a body kick but Saarenpaa moved away.
Saarenpaa fires out a quick counter leg kick but Ponting just manages to avoid it.

Saarenpaa gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Ponting cracks Saarenpaa with a solid left hand.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Ponting missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Saarenpaa pulls Ponting in to control the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Ponting throws a big elbow that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saarenpaa avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Saarenpaa trying to control the position here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Ponting loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Ponting throwing strikes but missing.
Saarenpaa wants to stand and escape but Ponting is having none of it.
Ponting has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Ponting trying to control the position from guard on top but Saarenpaa is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Saarenpaa is pulling down on Ponting's head. It's preventing any offense from Ponting, at least for the moment.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Ponting misses with a wild body shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.

Saarenpaa tries to sprawl but Ponting drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Saarenpaa wants to get back to full guard.
Ponting sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Saarenpaa defending well though.
Ricky Ponting has got the better of the ground game so far.
Saarenpaa avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Ponting.
Saarenpaa is looking for a sweep. Ponting is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

Ponting seems to be working for a kimura but Saarenpaa defends the submission attempt.
Ponting seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Ponting throwing shots but Saarenpaa is blocking nicely.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Ponting is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Ponting not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Ponting thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Saarenpaa's head.
Ponting looks to land a strike but Saarenpaa avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
Saarenpaa keeping moving, preventing Ponting from controlling successfully.
Ponting throwing strikes from guard but Saarenpaa blocks nicely.
Ponting throwing strikes but missing.
We've been hearing good reports from Saarenpaa'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 four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Ponting throwing strikes from guard but Saarenpaa blocks nicely.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Ponting throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Saarenpaa throws a lazy head kick
and Ponting counters with a straight right hand.
Saarenpaa swings for the body but Ponting moves out of range.
Ponting shoots in looking for a takedown but Saarenpaa manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Ponting's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Ponting looks to score with a jab to the body but Saarenpaa is just out of range.
Ponting throws a lazy right hand but Saarenpaa sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Saarenpaa scores with a body shot.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Ponting misses with a body shot
and Saarenpaa counters with a nice low kick that buckles Ponting's knee momentarily.
Saarenpaa keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Ponting.
Ponting on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Ponting misses with a hook. Saarenpaa ducked under it nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ricky Ponting really dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Ponting misses the jab.
Mika Saarenpaa is winning the standup battle so far.
Ponting throws a right hand that misses
and Saarenpaa counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Ponting misses with the combination.
Saarenpaa was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Ponting throws a big shot that misses.
Ponting uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Saarenpaa.
Ponting throws a leg kick but Saarenpaa sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Ponting's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Saarenpaa lands a leg kick that knocks Ponting off balance momentarily.
Ponting's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Ponting duly obliges.
Saarenpaa slips a jab from Ponting.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ponting throws a body shot but no joy.
Ponting takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Saarenpaa lands with a thumping leg kick.
Saarenpaa is looking to score with low kicks.
Ponting throws out a counter right but Saarenpaa avoids it with no problem.
Saarenpaa is looking to slow Ponting down with leg kicks.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saarenpaa does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Saarenpaa misses with a wild body shot.
Ponting misses with an uppercut.
Saarenpaa throws a head kick but Ponting moves out of range.
Ponting throws a big shot that misses.
Saarenpaa appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
A decent looking cross lands there for Saarenpaa.
Ponting looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Saarenpaa is fending him off so far but Ponting persists. Nope, Saarenpaa circles away and we're back to standing.
Saarenpaa displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Ponting.
A counter left hand to the body from Saarenpaa misses its target.
Saarenpaa lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Ponting avoids the body shot from Saarenpaa.
Saarenpaa is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Ponting.
Ponting throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Ponting missing with a left hand there. Saarenpaa was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Saarenpaa swings for the body but Ponting moves out of range.
Ponting takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Ponting is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Saarenpaa.
Saarenpaa appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Jab from Ponting.
Ponting looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Saarenpaa looks to land a left hand but Ponting moved out of range nicely.
A swing and a miss from Ponting.
Ponting misses the jab.
Saarenpaa avoids a punch combination nicely.
Saarenpaa thuds his shin into the meat of Ponting's side.
Saarenpaa lands a slapping body shot.
Ponting shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Mika Saarenpaa has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ricky Ponting.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ponting throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Saarenpaa jabs Ponting to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Ponting rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Saarenpaa moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Ponting is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Saarenpaa lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Saarenpaa dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Ponting. That did some damage!
Ponting throws a shot from downtown. Saarenpaa moves away and avoids it.
Saarenpaa keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Ponting.
Saarenpaa takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Saarenpaa on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Saarenpaa throws an overhand right that lands on Ponting's shoulder, as Ponting tries to avoid the shot.
Ponting dips to his left and cracks Saarenpaa with an uppercut!
Ponting walks into a left hand.
Saarenpaa avoids the body shot from Ponting.
Saarenpaa scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Saarenpaa chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Ponting throws a series of strikes that have Saarenpaa backpedaling.
Ponting swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.

Ponting decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Saarenpaa is refusing to be controlled, as Ponting sits in half guard.
Saarenpaa works his way to full guard. Good work.
Saarenpaa wants to sweep but no luck.
Ponting loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Saarenpaa controlling Ponting's posture.
Ponting loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that Mika Saarenpaa will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Ponting throws out a loose jab but Saarenpaa uses good head movement to avoid it.
Saarenpaa swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Ponting looks to land a left hand but Saarenpaa moved out of range nicely.
Ponting is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Saarenpaa.
Ponting tried to score with a low kick but Saarenpaa checks it.
Saarenpaa is looking to counter with head kicks.
A swing and a miss from Ponting.
Ponting throws out a loose jab but Saarenpaa uses good head movement to avoid it.
A punch lands to the side of Saarenpaa 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Saarenpaa fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Ponting manages to avoid it.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Ponting! But no joy.
Saarenpaa checks the leg kick nicely there.
Saarenpaa loads up on a big right hand but Ponting slips the punch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ponting uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Saarenpaa.
Saarenpaa lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Saarenpaa wants to slow Ponting down by chopping away at his legs.
Saarenpaa listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Ponting throws a head kick that misses
and Saarenpaa counters with a one-two to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ponting misses the jab.
Saarenpaa throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Saarenpaa loads up on a big right hand but Ponting slips the punch.
Ponting jabs at Saarenpaa's body.
Ponting ducks right into an uppercut from Saarenpaa.
Ponting takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Ponting is looking to chop away at Saarenpaa's legs.
Saarenpaa was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Ponting lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Ponting throws a hook but Saarenpaa avoids it easily.
Saarenpaa slips a jab and a cross from Ponting.
Ponting bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Saarenpaa throws a wild body kick that Ponting sees coming a mile off.
Ponting ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Saarenpaa moves away.
Saarenpaa uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Ponting.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Good standup being displayed there by Ponting as he connects with a hook.
Ponting takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Saarenpaa jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Saarenpaa needs to keep his hands up - Ponting had a free shot at his head there.
Ponting throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Saarenpaa sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Saarenpaa slips a jab and a cross from Ponting.
Saarenpaa ducks down and throws a hook to the body.

Ponting shoots in for a takedown and gets it.

Saarenpaa makes some distance and scrambles quickly back to his feet. Nice work!
Ponting has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Saarenpaa scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Saarenpaa tries to score with a low kick but Ponting moves his leg out of the way.
Ponting throws a looping overhand right but Saarenpaa ducks down to avoid it.
Saarenpaa swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ponting shoots for a double leg takedown but Saarenpaa sprawls well. He's pushed Ponting's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Ponting misses with a hook. Saarenpaa ducked under it nicely.
Ponting throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Ponting misses with a wild body shot.
Saarenpaa blocks a jab.
Ponting jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Saarenpaa tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Saarenpaa digs a good body shot into Ponting's ribs.
Saarenpaa ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Ponting moves away.
Saarenpaa ducks under a wild hook from Ponting.
Ponting takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Some wild striking there from Ponting.
Saarenpaa looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Ponting clobbers Saarenpaa with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ponting misses with a body shot.
Saarenpaa fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Ponting misses with an uppercut. Saarenpaa saw that one coming.
Ponting throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Ponting swings for the body but Saarenpaa moves out of range.
Ponting lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Saarenpaa stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Saarenpaa wants it to stay on the feet.
Saarenpaa throws an overhand right that lands on Ponting's shoulder, as Ponting tries to avoid the shot.
Saarenpaa clobbers Ponting with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Ponting looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Saarenpaa staying out of range there.
Ponting moves out of range as Saarenpaa throws a body kick.
Ponting throws a shot from downtown. Saarenpaa moves away and avoids it.
Saarenpaa appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Mika Saarenpaa.
I think Saarenpaa 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 Marco Blurström scores the fight 49:46
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 49:46
Judge Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Mika Saarenpaa!
During a confident post fight interview, Mika Saarenpaa thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.