PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Ukko Metso (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Andy Fitzgerald (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Metso
vs
Fitzgerald

180 cm
27
190 lbs
10 - 1 - 0

183 cm
26
190 lbs
6 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Granite chin

Sully's Bar & Grill

Leviathan Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 10 - 1 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Ukko Metso!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 1 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Andy Fitzgerald!
The judges for this bout are Michael Johnstone, Daniel Franklin and Winston Alpacca.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Fitzgerald scores with a hook to the body. Metso takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Fitzgerald scores with the left hand. Metso knows he should have avoided that one.
A left and a right from Fitzgerald both land. Nice combination.

Metso 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.
Metso has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Fitzgerald looking for a sweep. Not yet Fitzgerald, not yet.
Fitzgerald has control of Metso's left arm, preventing Metso from doing any damage.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Fitzgerald wants to sweep but no luck.
Fitzgerald is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Metso's corner. There ya go! There ya go!

Metso is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Fitzgerald is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Fitzgerald has escaped and now he's on top!

Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Metso is looking for a triangle but Fitzgerald pushes his legs off easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fitzgerald tries to stand but Metso is controlling from the bottom.
Fitzgerald must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Metso 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.
Metso bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Fitzgerald's guard.

Metso postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Metso postures up and lands a big shot to Fitzgerald's brow.
Metso has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Fitzgerald manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Metso manages to get himself to full guard.

Fitzgerald stopping the sweep attempt from Metso.

Metso is looking for a triangle but Fitzgerald pushes his legs off easily.
Fitzgerald trying to control but Metso is working from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Metso wants to sweep but no luck.
Fitzgerald postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

Fitzgerald decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Metso, up you get!
Metso walks into a left hand.
Metso misses with an uppercut
and Fitzgerald counters with a stiff right hand.
Metso looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Fitzgerald is fending him off so far but Metso persists. Nope, Fitzgerald circles away and we're back to standing.
Metso shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Fitzgerald as he jumps to the side.
Fitzgerald lands a body shot.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Fitzgerald throws out a powerful jab.
Fitzgerald connects with a good right hand that stumbles Metso. Metso circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Metso takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Metso gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Metso shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Fitzgerald as he avoids it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ukko Metso. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Metso dodges the punch combination from Fitzgerald.
Ukko Metso seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Fitzgerald lands a nice shot that snaps Metso's head back.
Metso closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Fitzgerald scores with a jab. Metso acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Fitzgerald uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Metso.
Metso misses with a takedown
and Fitzgerald counters with a stiff right hand.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Metso.
Fitzgerald doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
A jab from Fitzgerald does it's job there.
Metso is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Metso takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Fitzgerald stuffs the takedown attempt from Metso. Metso gets slowly back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fitzgerald cracks Metso with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Fitzgerald lands a jab to the nose.
Fitzgerald might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Fitzgerald lands a body shot.
Fitzgerald is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Metso had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into pâté.
Metso has his takedown stuffed
and Metso takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Metso tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Fitzgerald defends well and Metso ends up having to push Fitzgerald into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Fitzgerald looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Metso shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Fitzgerald counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Fitzgerald lands with a right hand.
Fitzgerald scores with a decent looking hook.
Fitzgerald punishes Metso's body with a nice straight punch.
Metso ducks right into an uppercut from Fitzgerald.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Metso moves forwards but Fitzgerald connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Metso walks into a stiff left hand from Fitzgerald.
A lazy left from Fitzgerald finds it's target.

Metso is rocked!
Metso shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Fitzgerald counters with a lovely straight right hand!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Andy Fitzgerald dominated that round.
That's time! Metso's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Metso with a lazy takedown attempt
and Fitzgerald counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Metso.
Fitzgerald throws out a counter right but Metso avoids it with no problem.
Metso takes one to the side of the head.
Fitzgerald scores with a hook.
Sloppy strikes from Fitzgerald. Those never looked like landing.
Metso half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Fitzgerald jabs Metso right on the nose. Metso blinks but takes it well.
Metso tries to move into range but Fitzgerald moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Oh Metso is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Andy Fitzgerald seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Fitzgerald changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Fitzgerald changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Metso seems to have got his legs back now.
Metso tries for a takedown but Fitzgerald circles away easily
enabling Fitzgerald to counter with a crisp jab.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ukko Metso. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Metso doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Jab from Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Metso.
Metso fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Fitzgerald avoids it really well and circles away.
Fitzgerald swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A right-left combo lands from Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald scores with a sloppy right hand. Metso should have avoided that one.
Fitzgerald lands a right hook to the body.
Metso takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Metso shoots and misses
and Fitzgerald counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Fitzgerald dips to his left and cracks Metso with an uppercut!

Fitzgerald gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Metso scoring with some ground and pound.
Fitzgerald looking for a sweep. Not yet Fitzgerald, not yet.
Metso engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fitzgerald is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Fitzgerald controlling Metso's posture.
Fitzgerald has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Fitzgerald is on top in guard.

Metso looking for a guillotine here but Fitzgerald defends easily.
Metso is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fitzgerald throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Metso works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

Metso is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Fitzgerald is aware though and is defending well.
Fitzgerald is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Fitzgerald preventing the sweep.

Metso working for a triangle but Fitzgerald defends it easily.
Fitzgerald trying to control the position from guard on top but Metso is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Metso preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Fitzgerald throwing strikes but missing.
Fitzgerald is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Fitzgerald is continuing to stall.
Fitzgerald throwing strikes but missing.
Metso trying to strike off his back.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Andy Fitzgerald showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Fitzgerald lands with a right hand.
Metso takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Metso darts in looking for a takedown but Fitzgerald gets double underhooks and turns Metso into the cage.
Metso tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Fitzgerald defends well and Metso ends up having to push Fitzgerald into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Fitzgerald with a nice cross.
Fitzgerald smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Fitzgerald lands a jab to the head.
Good shot there by Fitzgerald.
Metso shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Fitzgerald cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ukko Metso. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Fitzgerald lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Fitzgerald lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Metso.

Metso shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Fitzgerald is trying to stand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fitzgerald wants to get back to full guard.
Metso is thwarting Fitzgerald's attempts to control the position.
Metso content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Metso wants to control but Fitzgerald is keeping him busy.

Metso is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Nice strikes from Metso there.

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.
Fitzgerald tries to get to full guard but Metso has control of the leg.
Metso lands strikes from half guard.
Fitzgerald wants to improve his position but Metso is controlling well.
The fighters are battling for position here. Fitzgerald manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Metso chips away with some ground and pound.
Fitzgerald tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Metso trying to control the position from guard on top but Fitzgerald is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Metso stands up over Fitzgerald, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Metso makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Metso trying to control the position from guard on top but Fitzgerald is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Metso postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Fitzgerald has control of Metso's left arm, preventing Metso from doing any damage.
Fitzgerald really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Metso. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Fitzgerald trying to keep a closed guard but Metso is proving a slippery customer.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.

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.
Fitzgerald fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Fitzgerald is looking to slow Metso down with leg kicks.
Nice sprawl there from Fitzgerald as Metso shoots in.
Metso with a poor takedown
and Fitzgerald counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Danga de danga de dang - Fitzgerald scores with a four punch combination!
Metso shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Fitzgerald defends it nicely.
Metso doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Fitzgerald cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Metso doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Fitzgerald lands a jab to the nose.
Fitzgerald comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Metso dives in for a single leg takedown but Fitzgerald sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Metso gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Fitzgerald has been working his punching technique in the buildup to the fight and it appears to be paying off.
Andy Fitzgerald is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Metso with a poor takedown
and Fitzgerald counters with a lovely shot to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Andy Fitzgerald really dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Metso on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Nice jab there from Fitzgerald.
Metso misses with a takedown attempt
and Fitzgerald counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
A lazy left from Fitzgerald finds it's target.
Fitzgerald ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Fitzgerald keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Nice uppercut there from Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald lands an overhand right.
Metso has a takedown stuffed.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ukko Metso. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Metso darts in looking for a takedown but Fitzgerald gets double underhooks and turns Metso into the cage.
Fitzgerald swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Metso takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Metso on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Metso has his takedown stuffed
and Fitzgerald counters with a straight right hand.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fitzgerald listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
A cross from Fitzgerald lands.
Fitzgerald lands a right hook to the body.
Metso shoots in and drives through. Fitzgerald sprawls well.
Fitzgerald cracks Metso with a right hand to the side of the head.
Metso doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Fitzgerald makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Fitzgerald scores with the left hand. Metso knows he should have avoided that one.
Fitzgerald leaves Metso with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Fitzgerald throws a monster overhand right that drops Metso! Fitzgerald follows up with more strikes from mount and the fight is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:44 of round 4, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Andy Fitzgerald!
Andy Fitzgerald is the new middleweight champion!
Andy Fitzgerald gave a mention to Sully's Bar & Grill in his post fight interview. That will please them (and hopefully generate some sales).