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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Jaakko Savolainen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Harald Hillgrund (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Savolainen comes to the cage accompanied by Winning. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.
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| 184 cm
31
179 lbs
22 - 14 - 0 |
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170 cm
33
164 lbs
23 - 11 - 0 |
Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible |
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Olympic wrestler
Lethal high kicks
Good gas tank |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of
22 - 14 - 0, fighting out of London, Jaakko Savolainen!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
23 - 11 - 0, fighting out of London, Harald Hillgrund!
The judges for this bout are Stewart Dunkirk, George Francis and Tiny Johnson.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Savolainen fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Savolainen doesn't manage to clinch there - Hillgrund circles away.
Hillgrund stuffs the takedown.
Savolainen misses with a takedown
and Hillgrund counters with a straight right hand.
It looks like Jaakko Savolainen has been cut.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jaakko Savolainen. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Hillgrund slaps away a takedown attempt from Savolainen, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Savolainen tries to clinch but Hillgrund is having none of it.
Hillgrund changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Savolainen keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Hillgrund.
Hillgrund feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Savolainen's calf.
Hillgrund misses with a straight right.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Savolainen with a lazy takedown attempt
so Hillgrund counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Hillgrund advances position into side control!
Hillgrund tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Hillgrund has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Savolainen is in a tricky position but he's been working on his transitions down at Thirteenth Legion MMA, so we'll see if he gets out of it.
Savolainen takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Savolainen is looking for a sweep.
Hillgrund trying to control the position but Savolainen is working away.
Hillgrund works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.
Savolainen is looking to regain half guard here but Hillgrund keeps moving and retains side control.
Hillgrund scores with punches from side control.
Savolainen tries to bench press Hillgrund off him but Hillgrund keeps the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Hillgrund cracks Savolainen with a big right hand but Savolainen just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
Savolainen tries to buck Hillgrund off but Hillgrund is having none of it.
Savolainen manages to get back to half guard.
Savolainen is looking for a sweep. Hillgrund is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Hillgrund seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Savolainen does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hillgrund looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Hillgrund missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Hillgrund is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Savolainen defends it well.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Savolainen moves into full guard.
Savolainen keeping moving, preventing Hillgrund from controlling successfully.
Savolainen is looking for a triangle but Hillgrund pushes his legs off easily.
Hillgrund trying to control but Savolainen is working from the bottom.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Hillgrund working his ground and pound in the gym. So far it seems to be working well.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Savolainen being controlled here, momentarily.
Savolainen throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Hillgrund trying to control the position from guard on top but Savolainen is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Hillgrund scoring with punches to the head and body.
Savolainen throws some sloppy strikes off his back.
Hillgrund wants to control from the top but Savolainen keeps moving.
Savolainen looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Savolainen looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Hillgrund got a little sloppy there for a moment and Savolainen has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Hillgrund has managed to get both his arms back between Savolainen's legs - danger averted.
Savolainen has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Hillgrund is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Savolainen.
Hillgrund in side control lands a decent elbow.
Hillgrund lands an elbow.
Hillgrund creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Savolainen is not content to let Hillgrund control the position.
Hillgrund working the head with strikes.
Savolainen is looking to regain half guard here but Hillgrund keeps moving and retains side control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Hillgrund working the head and body with strikes.
Savolainen is trying to escape the position but Hillgrund is controlling the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Harald Hillgrund dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Jaakko Savolainen's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!
Hillgrund looks to throw the jab but Savolainen is out of range.
Savolainen shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Savolainen was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Savolainen tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Hillgrund is trying to get back to half guard.
Hillgrund wants to control but Savolainen postures up.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hillgrund is looking for a sweep.
Savolainen will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Savolainen looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Hillgrund managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Savolainen.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Hillgrund is looking to reverse the position.
The step up in weight doesn't seem to be a problem for Hillgrund. He's performing admirably here against the bigger man.
Savolainen tries for a kimura but Hillgrund is defending well.
Hillgrund is looking for a sweep.
Savolainen lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.
Harald Hillgrund has got the better of the ground game so far.
Hillgrund can't do much from the bottom here.
Savolainen scoring with punches from side control.
It looks like Harald Hillgrund has been cut.
Savolainen thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Hillgrund manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Nice strikes from Hillgrund there.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hillgrund takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Hillgrund trying to control the action but Savolainen is working from the bottom.
Savolainen gets back to full guard.
Savolainen keeping moving, preventing Hillgrund from controlling successfully.
Savolainen working for submissions but it's allowed Hillgrund to get to half guard.
Hillgrund scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Hillgrund is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Hillgrund is looking for a kimura here.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hillgrund is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Savolainen is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Hillgrund pulls his head out easily.
Hillgrund 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.
Hillgrund wants to pass the guard but Savolainen is defending well.
Hillgrund working over Savolainen with some ground and pound. Savolainen looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Savolainen looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Hillgrund wants to work for an arm triangle but Savolainen is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hillgrund slips a nice elbow through Savolainen's hands, connecting with Savolainen's forehead.
Savolainen slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Hillgrund makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Savolainen throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Hillgrund working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Hillgrund preventing the sweep.
Hillgrund working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Savolainen's head.
Hillgrund throwing strikes but missing.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hillgrund got a little sloppy there for a moment and Savolainen has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Hillgrund has managed to get both his arms back between Savolainen's legs - danger averted.
Hillgrund postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
A close second round but Harald Hillgrund will probably get the nod - 10:9.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!
Savolainen tries to score a power double leg takedown but Hillgrund sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Savolainen somewhat.
Hillgrund connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Hillgrund defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Savolainen.
Nice body punch from Hillgrund.
Nice takedown defense from Hillgrund. No joy for Savolainen on that attempt.
Hillgrund tries to counter by closing the distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jaakko Savolainen. That's going to take a lot out of him.
The fighters circling - Hillgrund throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Hillgrund bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hillgrund scores with a sloppy right hand. Savolainen should have avoided that one.
Hillgrund throws a quick inside leg kick.
Hillgrund fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Savolainen has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
The fighters circle momentarily. Hillgrund darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Savolainen misses with a takedown attempt - Hillgrund sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Hillgrund now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Hillgrund throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Hillgrund lands a jab to Savolainen's midsection.
Hillgrund has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Hillgrund fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Savolainen shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Hillgrund as he jumps to the side.
Hillgrund unleashes a big counter combination but Savolainen bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Savolainen fails with the takedown
and Hillgrund counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Savolainen dives in and grabs Hillgrund's left leg, looking for a takedown. Hillgrund pushes down on Savolainen's head and hops out.
Savolainen gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Hillgrund waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Savolainen.
Hillgrund clinches up against the cage.
Hillgrund goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Hillgrund lands with a short shot to the head.
Hillgrund lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Jaakko Savolainen's cut is getting worse.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hillgrund misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Nice body punch from Hillgrund - that landed with a thud.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Hillgrund lands a hook that snaps the head of Savolainen backwards.
A head punch on the inside from Hillgrund fails to land.
Savolainen takes a shot to the head.
Hillgrund misses with the head strike.
Hillgrund pushes Savolainen back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Hillgrund has a couple of punches blocked by Savolainen.
Savolainen successfully pulls guard.
Hillgrund postures up and lands a big shot to Savolainen's brow.
Hillgrund postures up and lands a big shot to Savolainen's brow.
Hillgrund lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Savolainen has his foot on Hillgrund's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Hillgrund works his way back into a safe position though.
Hillgrund passes Savolainen's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Hillgrund is nestled in close to Savolainen, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Savolainen looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Hillgrund drops an elbow to the side of Savolainen's head.
Savolainen is rocked!
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hillgrund working Savolainen over with strikes.
Oh Savolainen is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Hillgrund lands a nice short elbow.
Savolainen is trying to get back to full guard.
Savolainen seems to have got his legs back now.
Hillgrund sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Savolainen is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Hillgrund scores with a couple of nice shots.
Hillgrund content to control rather than advance.
Hillgrund drops an elbow to the side of Savolainen's head.
Harald Hillgrund is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Savolainen tries to get to full guard but Hillgrund has control of the leg.
Hillgrund is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Savolainen looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Hillgrund is controlling the pace.
Hillgrund is trying to control. Savolainen wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Jaakko Savolainen has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Savolainen looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Hillgrund working over Savolainen with some ground and pound. Savolainen looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
And that's the end of the fight!
Harald Hillgrund comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Hillgrund has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Stewart Dunkirk scores the fight 26:30
Judge George Francis scores the fight 26:30
Judge Tiny Johnson scores the fight 26:30
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Harald Hillgrund!
Harald Hillgrund spent the whole post fight interview bigging himself up. It didn't go down that well with the fans after a while as they thought it was a bit arrogant.
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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S |
C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
43% |
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