PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Silvio Provenza (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Oliver Hedman Karlsson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Provenza comes to the cage accompanied by Madreblu - Certamente. Silvio Provenza has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Provenza
vs
Hedman Karlsson

182 cm
29
180 lbs
13 - 5 - 0

178 cm
22
173 lbs
3 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter fighter
Granite chin

Powerful takedowns
Dangerous knees
Good gas tank

Lion Fightwear
King of Fists

Sully's Bar & Grill

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 13 - 5 - 0, fighting out of London, Silvio Provenza!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Oliver Hedman Karlsson!
The judges for this bout are Tarja Halkonen, Marco Blurström and Anni Minnemäki.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hedman Karlsson thuds his right hand into Provenza's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Hedman Karlsson misses with a straight right.
It looked like Provenza wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Hedman Karlsson lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Oliver Hedman Karlsson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hedman Karlsson jabs Provenza right on the nose. Provenza blinks but takes it well.
Good shot there by Hedman Karlsson.
Nice straight punches there by Hedman Karlsson. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Hedman Karlsson.
Hedman Karlsson's jab looks to have found its range, popping Provenza under the eye.
Nice uppercut there from Hedman Karlsson.
Hedman Karlsson ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Nice straight punches there by Hedman Karlsson. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Hedman Karlsson.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hedman Karlsson connects with a looping right hand.
Hedman Karlsson misses with an uppercut

and Provenza counters with a shoot takedown. Hedman Karlsson fights it but they end up in guard.
Provenza missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Provenza scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Provenza trying to control the position from guard on top but Hedman Karlsson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Hedman Karlsson is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Provenza slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Hedman Karlsson looking to hit a scissor sweep but Provenza is one step ahead there.
Provenza in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Hedman Karlsson looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Provenza showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Provenza won't allow Hedman Karlsson to sweep him here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Provenza works over Hedman Karlsson with some ground and pound from guard.
Provenza working some strikes from top position.
Provenza preventing the sweep.
Hedman Karlsson keeping full guard, as Provenza tries to pass.
Hedman Karlsson trying to keep a closed guard but Provenza is proving a slippery customer.
Provenza throwing strikes from guard but Hedman Karlsson blocks nicely.

Provenza got a little sloppy there for a moment and Hedman Karlsson has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Provenza has managed to get both his arms back between Hedman Karlsson's legs - danger averted.
Provenza throwing strikes but missing.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Hedman Karlsson looking for a sweep. Not yet Hedman Karlsson, not yet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hedman Karlsson is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Provenza is controlling him.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Hedman Karlsson wants to hit a switch here but Provenza passes into full mount! Oh no, disaster for Hedman Karlsson there!
Provenza thuds his fist into the canvas! Oooouch!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Provenza is going oldschool here, as he tries to force Hedman Karlsson to tap using a forearm choke. This isn't 1993 though, so Hedman Karlsson shrugs it off.
Hedman Karlsson wants to control but Provenza is having none of it.
Provenza in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Hedman Karlsson is looking to improve his position but Provenza isn't that keen on the idea.
Hedman Karlsson felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hedman Karlsson tries to lock up and control but Provenza gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.

Provenza has control of Hedman Karlsson's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Hedman Karlsson regains control of the situation pretty easily.
Hedman Karlsson wants to hold on but Provenza pushes him away.
Provenza raining down hammerfists from mount.
Provenza lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
Hedman Karlsson is in all sorts of trouble here.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Provenza cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Provenza fakes a shot to the body and cracks his opponent in the head. Nice ground and pound there!
Hedman Karlsson is trying desperately to improve position.

Provenza is working for a guillotine from mount but Hedman Karlsson frees his head quite easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Provenza defending well as Hedman Karlsson loads up on a big left hand.
Provenza half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Hedman Karlsson thows a left - swing and a miss!
Provenza drops down looking for a counter takedown but Hedman Karlsson sprawls and moves away.
Hedman Karlsson lands a glancing blow to the side of Provenza's head.
Provenza tries to score a power double leg takedown but Hedman Karlsson sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Provenza somewhat.
Hedman Karlsson cracks Provenza with a right hand to the side of the head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A jab lands there for Hedman Karlsson.
Hedman Karlsson lands with a good body shot.
Hedman Karlsson stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Oliver Hedman Karlsson is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Provenza ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Hedman Karlsson swinging wildly here.
Provenza closes the distance and clinches up with Hedman Karlsson, looking for a takedown. Provenza pushes Hedman Karlsson against the cage but Hedman Karlsson circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Hedman Karlsson cracks Provenza with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Hedman Karlsson's jab looks to have found its range, popping Provenza under the eye.
Hedman Karlsson looks to throw the jab but Provenza is out of range.
Provenza avoids the body shot from Hedman Karlsson.
Provenza was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Hedman Karlsson throws the left hand but Provenza avoids the punch easily.
Provenza has been working on his balance at England Fight Club MMA, so perhaps that has help him stuff some of the takedown attempts by Hedman Karlsson.
Hedman Karlsson is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Provenza.
Provenza ducks under a wild hook from Hedman Karlsson.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Provenza gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Hedman Karlsson looks to land a right hand but Provenza moved out of range.
Provenza gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Hedman Karlsson fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
The crowd cheers as Hedman Karlsson lands an impressive looking overhand right. Provenza doesn't seem phased though.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Provenza shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Well, if Provenza is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
Hedman Karlsson is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Provenza works his foot free and advances to mount.
Hedman Karlsson tries to reverse the position but Provenza maintains control.

Provenza is thinking about an arm triangle here, looking to tighten it up before moving to side control. Hedman Karlsson can see it coming though and defends well with a couple of strikes to the head and some good arm positioning.
Provenza scoring with strikes but Hedman Karlsson is staying in there.

Provenza working for a guillotine from mount but Hedman Karlsson is in no mood to give up.
Hedman Karlsson is in a horrible position here, under a barrage of strikes, he's managing to avoid any damage.
Provenza sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hedman Karlsson is wriggling around trying to escape.
Hedman Karlsson holding onto his opponent's waist for dear life, as Provenza tries to land some strikes to get him to release his grip.
Provenza misses with a head shot.
Provenza controlling from the full mount.

Provenza moves into side control, trying to work for a kimura. That looks painful! Will he finish!!?? No, Hedman Karlsson has worked his arm free - good work by Hedman Karlsson!
Sloppy strikes there by Provenza.
Hedman Karlsson gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Oliver Hedman Karlsson showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!

Hedman Karlsson 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.
Hedman Karlsson sizes up Provenza with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Provenza walks into a straight right hand from Hedman Karlsson.
A combination from Hedman Karlsson does no damage.
Provenza feinted with a counter takedown.
A jab from Hedman Karlsson misses.
Nice defenses there by Provenza.
Hedman Karlsson throws a looping overhand right but Provenza ducks down to avoid it.
Provenza appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Oliver Hedman Karlsson seems to be getting the better of the standup.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hedman Karlsson connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Provenza takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Hedman Karlsson loads up on a big right hand but Provenza slips the punch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hedman Karlsson moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Hedman Karlsson ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Provenza avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
A jab lands there for Hedman Karlsson.
Hedman Karlsson clobbers Provenza with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Provenza ducks under a wild hook from Hedman Karlsson.
Provenza tries to counter with a takedown but Hedman Karlsson is quick to defend against it.
Provenza takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Hedman Karlsson scores with a sloppy right hand. Provenza should have avoided that one.
Hedman Karlsson throws an off balance right hand

and Provenza counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
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!
Hedman Karlsson is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Provenza throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Silvio Provenza overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Provenza takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Hedman Karlsson wants to control but Provenza is keeping busy.
Hedman Karlsson avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Provenza.
Hedman Karlsson is looking to improve his position.
Provenza 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.
Provenza looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Provenza stalling away here and it's allowed Hedman Karlsson to slip out his trapped foot and regain full guard.
Hedman Karlsson keeping moving, preventing Provenza from controlling successfully.
Hedman Karlsson trying to keep a closed guard but Provenza is proving a slippery customer.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hedman Karlsson avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Hedman Karlsson is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Hedman Karlsson keeping moving, preventing Provenza from controlling successfully.
Hedman Karlsson is looking to sweep but instead, Provenza has passed into half guard.
Hedman Karlsson moves into full guard.
Provenza stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Hedman Karlsson swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Hedman Karlsson controlling Provenza's posture.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.

Hedman Karlsson looking for a guillotine here but Provenza defends easily.
Hedman Karlsson utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Provenza pushing down on Hedman Karlsson's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Hedman Karlsson tries to push off, looking to stand up, but Provenza manages to move to mount!
Hedman Karlsson manages to regain half guard. Good work.

Provenza seems to be looking for submissions.
Provenza landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.

And that's the end of the fight!
Oliver Hedman Karlsson comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Hedman Karlsson has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 28:29
Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight 28:29
Judge Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Oliver Hedman Karlsson!
Oliver Hedman Karlsson took to the microphone after his victory and thanked his sponsors, Sully's Bar & Grill for their support in the buildup to the fight.