PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Eric Skinner (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jaakko Savolainen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Savolainen comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Winning kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! 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.

Skinner
vs
Savolainen

179 cm
28
177 lbs
10 - 5 - 0

184 cm
31
179 lbs
22 - 15 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Bullet Proof System

Sin City Allstars

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 10 - 5 - 0, fighting out of New York, Eric Skinner!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 22 - 15 - 0, fighting out of London, Jaakko Savolainen!
The judges for this bout are Chris Downing, Wesley Smith and Tiny Johnson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Savolainen moves into range and clinches up with Skinner.
Skinner is trying to break the clinch but Savolainen has him pressed against the cage.
Skinner gets underhooks to prevent Savolainen's takedown attempt.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Savolainen has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.
Skinner has a couple of punches blocked by Savolainen.
Skinner lands a hook that snaps the head of Savolainen backwards.
Skinner tries to break free but Savolainen pushes him back against the cage.
Savolainen drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Skinner gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Savolainen is trying to drag Skinner to the mat but Skinner just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Eric Skinner has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jaakko Savolainen.
Skinner lands a shot to the body.
Skinner lands a nice uppercut.
Skinner swings wildly with an uppercut but Savolainen uses good head movement to avoid it.
Savolainen drops down looking for an ankle pick but Skinner pulls his leg out and moves away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Savolainen shoots in and drives through. Skinner sprawls well.
Skinner was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Savolainen shoots in but Skinner avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Savolainen looks winded!
Skinner throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Savolainen sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Savolainen walks into a stiff left hand from Skinner.

It looks like Jaakko Savolainen has been cut.
A telegraphed right hand from Skinner misses the target.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Savolainen displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Skinner throws out the jab.
Savolainen feints a counter leg kick.
Skinner connects with a crisp jab.
Skinner throws a nice looking combination but Savolainen bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
A nice side step and Savolainen releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Eric Skinner is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

Savolainen closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Skinner quickly recovers to half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Skinner preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.

Savolainen is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Skinner has managed to free his arm - good work.
Skinner tries to get to full guard but Savolainen has control of the leg.
Skinner is looking to control Savolainen's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Skinner avoid being mounted?
Savolainen prevents Skinner from improving his position.
Savolainen not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Skinner tries to get to full guard but Savolainen has control of the leg.
Skinner is looking to control Savolainen's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Skinner avoid being mounted?

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Skinner is controlling Savolainen's position as best he can from this difficult position.

Savolainen is looking for a kimura here.
Savolainen not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Savolainen prevents Skinner from improving his position.
Skinner moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Savolainen connects with a couple of short punches.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Savolainen postures up in Skinner's guard and throws a big left but Skinner blocks it.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Savolainen in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Savolainen drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Savolainen jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Skinner 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.
Savolainen has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Skinner is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Skinner is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Savolainen is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Savolainen throwing strikes but missing.
Skinner trying to keep a closed guard but Savolainen is proving a slippery customer.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Savolainen stopping the sweep attempt from Skinner.
Savolainen is looking to work some ground and pound but Skinner has wrist control.
Skinner lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Skinner wants to control from the top but Savolainen keeps moving.
Savolainen throwing strikes off his back to little effect.
Skinner showing good wrestling skills to control the position.

Savolainen has his foot on Skinner's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Skinner works his way back into a safe position though.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

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

Eric Skinner dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Jaakko Savolainen's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Skinner misses with a series of wild punches.
Skinner throws a series of punches but Savolainen moves out of range.
Skinner fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Savolainen moves away from the strike by Skinner.
Skinner dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Skinner throws a right hand that Savolainen ducks under and follows up with a left that Savolainen also avoids with ease.
Savolainen keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Skinner.
Savolainen takes a jab right on the kisser.
Skinner looks to land a left hand but Savolainen moved out of range nicely.
Savolainen takes one to the chin there.
Skinner thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Savolainen if he has to take too many more of those.
Savolainen staying out of range there.
Skinner throws a body punch but Savolainen moves out of range.
Savolainen fails with the takedown
and Skinner counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Savolainen fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Savolainen is breathing heavily.
Savolainen shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Skinner defends it nicely.
Eric Skinner has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jaakko Savolainen.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Skinner is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Savolainen.
Nice defenses there by Savolainen.

Savolainen fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Skinner, pushing him back against the cage.
Skinner swings wildly with an uppercut but Savolainen uses good head movement to avoid it.
Skinner digs a right hand into Savolainen's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Savolainen's gas tank.
Savolainen blocks a punch to the side of the head.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Savolainen.

Skinner manages to break the clinch.
Savolainen walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Skinner lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Skinner throws the kick towards the body but Savolainen avoids it.
Skinner is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Savolainen can do to turn this around?
Skinner displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Savolainen.
Skinner swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Savolainen looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Savolainen wants to clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Savolainen shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Skinner as he jumps to the side.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Skinner throws a right and a left that Savolainen avoids nicely.
Savolainen connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
A jab from Skinner finds it's way through Savolainen's defenses.
Skinner connects with a body shot that sends Savolainen's belly button to the back.
Skinner takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Savolainen closes this distance looking for a takedown but Skinner circles away.
Savolainen ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Skinner moves away.
Savolainen takes a kick to the side of the head.
Nice takedown defense from Skinner. No joy for Savolainen on that attempt.
Savolainen looks for a takedown but Skinner sprawls well.
Skinner displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
A left lands for Skinner.
Skinner scores with a nice right hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Skinner bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Savolainen's head backwards.
Savolainen tries for a takedown but Skinner sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Savolainen tries to move into range but Skinner moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Skinner clobbers Savolainen with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.

Savolainen is rocked!
Skinner tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Savolainen was well out of range. Poor timing from Skinner.
Skinner will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Savolainen keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Skinner.

Savolainen clinches up with Skinner and pushes him back against the cage.
Skinner lands a nice uppercut.
Skinner throws a head punch that misses.
Skinner lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Savolainen's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Skinner has a couple of punches blocked by Savolainen.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Savolainen takes a shot to the head.

That has opened up Jaakko Savolainen's cut even more.
Skinner pushes Savolainen back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Savolainen throws a head punch that misses.
Skinner makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Skinner misses with some punches.
Skinner throws a head punch that misses.
Skinner working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Skinner softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Savolainen is still on wobbly legs! Can Skinner finish him?
Skinner lands with a left to the head.
Savolainen is looking for a takedown.
Skinner swings wildly with an uppercut but Savolainen uses good head movement to avoid it.
A short right from Skinner.
Skinner is pressed up against the cage. Savolainen has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Skinner down to the mat. Skinner avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Skinner throws a looping overhand right but Savolainen ducks down to avoid it.
Skinner throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Savolainen seems to have recovered his senses.
Savolainen slips under a jab from Skinner.
Savolainen slips a jab and a cross from Skinner.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Skinner slaps away a takedown attempt from Savolainen, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Skinner feints and then cracks Savolainen's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Savolainen down.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Eric Skinner dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Jaakko Savolainen's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Skinner misses with a looping left.
Skinner connects with a jab.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Skinner stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Skinner wants it to stay on the feet.
Skinner is looking for a counter combo.
Nice uppercut there from Skinner.
Skinner misses with a jab, cross combination.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Skinner, as that shot connected.
A punch combination from Skinner misses.
Nice takedown defense from Skinner. No joy for Savolainen on that attempt.
A jab from Skinner finds it's way through Savolainen's defenses.
Skinner catches Savolainen with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Nice shot by Skinner.
Savolainen on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
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!
Skinner swats away the attempt to clinch by Savolainen.
Skinner scores with a nice head shot.
Skinner swinging wildly here.
Savolainen takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Savolainen ducks under a wild hook from Skinner.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Savolainen! But no joy.
Eric Skinner is winning the standup battle so far.
Savolainen displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Skinner throws out the jab.

Savolainen looking for a takedown here - he's got it.

Savolainen is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Savolainen stopping the sweep attempt from Skinner.
Savolainen won't allow Skinner to get back to his feet.
Skinner seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.

The fighters are working up against the cage. Skinner manages to wriggle his way back to his feet, so the fighters are now clinched against the cage.
Skinner throws a punch but it's blocked by Savolainen.

Skinner escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Savolainen ducks under a wild hook from Skinner.
Savolainen has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
A right-left combo lands from Skinner.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Savolainen shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Skinner as he avoids it easily.
Eric Skinner has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jaakko Savolainen.
Savolainen uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Skinner.
Savolainen takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Skinner scores with a nice head shot.
Savolainen looks for a takedown but Skinner sprawls well.
Skinner keeps the fight on the outside.
It looked like Skinner wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Skinner goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Jaakko Savolainen seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Savolainen has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Savolainen there as he acknowledges the shot.
Skinner missing with a left hand there. Savolainen was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Skinner tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Savolainen is able to avoid easily.
Skinner is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Savolainen.
Savolainen fails with the takedown.
Skinner throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Savolainen counters with a straight right hand.
Savolainen throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Skinner's waist but Skinner gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Savolainen off to one side.
Skinner throwing a counter right hand but Savolainen manages to avoid it.
Skinner rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Savolainen moves out of range and avoids them all easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Savolainen with a poor takedown
and Skinner counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.

The cut above Jaakko Savolainen's eye is starting to cause him problems now.
Skinner throws a right and a left that both miss.
Savolainen shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Skinner but Skinner pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Skinner 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.
Skinner looks to land a left hand but Savolainen moved out of range nicely.
Nice takedown defense from Skinner. No joy for Savolainen on that attempt.
Savolainen shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Skinner defends it nicely.
Skinner scores with a shot to the body.
Savolainen looks for a takedown but Skinner sprawls well.
A jab from Skinner finds it's way through Savolainen's defenses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Skinner throws a right and a left that Savolainen avoids nicely.
Savolainen tries to counter by closing the distance.
Skinner throws a shot from downtown. Savolainen moves away and avoids it.
A slow jab from Skinner misses its intended target.
Savolainen uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Skinner.
Skinner misses with a straight right.
Savolainen doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Savolainen shoots in and drives through. Skinner sprawls well.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Skinner swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Jab by Skinner.
A slow jab from Skinner misses its intended target.
Skinner uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Skinner misses with a jab, cross combination.
Skinner takes a swing at Savolainen's ribcage but misses.
Savolainen takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Jaakko Savolainen has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Skinner misses with a hook. Savolainen ducked under it nicely.
Skinner fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Skinner keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
It looked like Skinner was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.

And that's the end of the fight!
Eric Skinner showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Skinner, 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 Chris Downing scores the fight 30:25
Judge Wesley Smith scores the fight 30:25
Judge Tiny Johnson scores the fight 30:26

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Eric Skinner!
Eric Skinner tried to hype himself up post fight but didn't word it too well and it ended up with him sounding like a bit of a tool.