PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Mees Metsast (ranked 2027 p4p, 273 weight class) and Aksel Stenger (ranked 1691 p4p, 238 weight class). Stenger has chosen Hit2face - Ain't it nice to get hit to the face? as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Both fighters really staring each other down here, as Aksel Stenger enters the cage!

Metsast
vs
Stenger

185 cm
39
185 lbs
25 - 18 - 1

186 cm
25
196 lbs
15 - 8 - 1

Good wrestling
Lethal high kicks
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

FORCEE

Aspire Nutrition

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 25 - 18 - 1, fighting out of Montreal, Mees Metsast!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 15 - 8 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Aksel Stenger!
The judges for this bout are Steve Smith, Dillan Fox and Gregory Folan.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Stenger misses with an uppercut.
Metsast tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Metsast lands a jab to the nose.
Stenger 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.
Metsast with a hook.
Nice shot by Stenger.
Stenger throws a good cross that connects.
Mees Metsast seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Metsast looks to score with a jab to the body but Stenger is just out of range.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Stenger! But no joy.
Metsast looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Metsast connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Stenger momentarily.
Metsast misses with a head kick.
Metsast is looking to clinch but Stenger is avoiding it.
Metsast throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Stenger lands a jab to Metsast's midsection.
Stenger lands a body shot.
Metsast uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Stenger.
Stenger connects with a nice looking jab.
Nice body kick from Stenger.
Metsast scores with a jab to the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stenger circles away from the clinch attempt
and Stenger counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Stenger cracks the inside of Metsast's front leg.
Stenger tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Metsast was well out of range. Poor timing from Stenger.
Metsast tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Stenger was well out of range. Poor timing from Metsast.
Metsast tries to clinch up.
Metsast throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Stenger.
Aksel Stenger is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Stenger thuds a left hand into Metsast's body.
Metsast swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Stenger throws a looping overhand right but Metsast ducks down to avoid it.
Stenger uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Metsast.
Stenger fails to land with a series of punches.
Metsast avoids the body shot from Stenger.
Nice shot lands for Stenger.
Stenger stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Metsast.
Metsast throws a series of punches but Stenger avoids them all with ease.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Stenger avoids the head kick by Metsast.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stenger fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Metsast manages to avoid it.
Metsast throws a sloppy head kick and Stenger moves out of range easily.
Stenger is clearly looking to counter with head kicks.
Stenger lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Metsast at a distance.
Nice cross by Stenger.
Stenger takes a swing at Metsast's ribcage but misses.
Metsast throws a head kick that misses.
Stenger looks to throw the jab but Metsast is out of range.
Metsast is looking to counter the offense by Stenger and move into the clinch.
Stenger connects with an inside leg kick.
Metsast tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Stenger tries to counter by closing the distance.
Metsast fails with an attempt to clinch.
Metsast throws a sloppy head kick and Stenger moves out of range easily.
Stenger appeared to try and counter that last move with a leg kick.
Stenger throws a lazy uppercut
and Metsast counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Stenger looks to score with a jab to the body but Metsast is just out of range.
Stenger has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Metsast finds it's way round the side to connect with Stenger's head.
Stenger throws a sloppy head kick and Metsast moves out of range easily.
Nice body kick there by Stenger.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stenger motions for Metsast to come forward. Stenger throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Metsast misses the shot to the body.
Metsast swings for the body but Stenger moves out of range.

Metsast drives through and clinches with Stenger against the cage.
Stenger doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Stenger tries to work over Metsast's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Stenger tries to throw a body punch but Metsast avoids it by throwing Stenger back against the cage.
Metsast blocks a body shot from Stenger.
Metsast misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Stenger lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Metsast or not.
Metsast scores with a hook to the body.
Metsast lands a left hand.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Stenger as Metsast tries to tie him up.

Stenger's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Stenger throws a body punch but Metsast moves out of range.
No joy there for Metsast, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Stenger fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Stenger keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Metsast pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Metsast tries to clinch but Stenger moves out of range.
Metsast tries to clinch up but Stenger circles away and keeps his distance.
Metsast is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Stenger.
Metsast throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Metsast throws a body shot but no joy.
Stenger lands with an overhand left.
Metsast tries to clinch but Stenger moves out of range.
Stenger moves out of range of the leg kick from Metsast.
Stenger thows a left - swing and a miss!
Metsast feinted with a counter takedown.

Metsast scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Metsast scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Stenger to see if he's OK.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Metsast cracks Stenger with an elbow. That is naaassty.
Metsast is trying to move to mount but Stenger reverses beautifully and ends up in Metsast's guard.
Metsast looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Aksel Stenger will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Stenger lands a glancing blow to the side of Metsast's head.
A head kick misses from Metsast.
Metsast fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Metsast connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Metsast is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Stenger tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
A head kick misses from Stenger.
Metsast lunges at Stenger with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Stenger's hand.
Metsast uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Stenger.
A counter left hand to the body from Metsast misses its target.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Stenger lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Metsast connects with a nice looking jab.
Metsast misses with a head kick.
Metsast sets himself, and Stenger steps forward looking for the clinch! Metsast avoids it this time.
Stenger missing with a left hand there. Metsast was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Metsast bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stenger digs a good body shot into Metsast's ribs.
Metsast scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Stenger doesn't seem bothered though.
Stenger throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Metsast is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Stenger.
Stenger showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Metsast.
Stenger defending well as Metsast loads up on a big left hand.
Metsast is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Stenger scores with a punch to the head.
Metsast shoots in but no luck this time.
Metsast throws a lazy head kick
and Stenger counters with a two punch combo.
Stenger swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Metsast misses with a low kick.
Metsast takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Stenger changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Metsast closes this distance looking for a takedown but Stenger circles away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stenger throws a jab but it's blocked by Metsast.
Metsast misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Metsast tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Stenger is able to avoid easily.
Metsast avoids a kick to the body.
Stenger clobbers Metsast with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Metsast moves away from the strike by Stenger.
A head kick misses from Stenger.
Stenger misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Stenger throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Stenger misses with a body kick.
Stenger misses with a looping right.
Metsast misses with a combination
and Stenger counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Metsast throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Stenger's waist but Stenger gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Metsast off to one side.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mees Metsast. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Metsast tries to clinch up.
Metsast drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Metsast keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
A counter left hand to the body from Metsast misses its target.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Metsast checks a leg kick.
Stenger moves into range and connects with a jab.
Metsast throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Metsast throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Stenger blocks a head kick by Metsast.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Metsast - that will leave a mark!
A decent looking cross lands there for Stenger.
Stenger scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Nice straight punches there by Stenger. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Stenger.

Stenger instigates a clinch.
Metsast misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Stenger.
Metsast pushes Stenger back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Metsast with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A shot in the inside from Stenger.
Metsast digs a right hand underneath Stenger's ribcage. Stenger let out a lung full of air as it connected.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stenger misses with a punch to the body.

Stenger breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Metsast lands a leg kick that knocks Stenger off balance momentarily.
Nice uppercut there from Stenger.
Metsast's corner calls for a 1-2. Metsast obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Metsast tries to clinch up but Stenger circles away and keeps his distance.
Stenger pulls out of a head kick attempt.

Metsast rushes Stenger and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
With the fighters up against the cage, Metsast throws an elbow but misses.
A right hook to the body lands for Metsast.
Metsast swings wildly with an uppercut but Stenger uses good head movement to avoid it.
Stenger trying to control the position but instead, Metsast has worked for underhooks and has pushed Stenger into the cage.
Metsast working aggressively here.

Stenger breaks from the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Aksel Stenger showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Metsast tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Stenger lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Metsast shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Stenger defends it nicely.

Stenger gets tackled into the cage by Metsast. Metsast maintains the clinch.
Stenger working some nice short punches in the clinch.
A head punch on the inside from Stenger fails to land.
Stenger tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Metsast's elbow.
Metsast trying to stall but Stenger improves his position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Metsast makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.

Stenger's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Metsast shoots in and drives through. Stenger sprawls well.
Stenger dodges the punch combination from Metsast.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stenger connects with a high kick.
Metsast shoots in for a double leg but Stenger sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mees Metsast. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Stenger throws a leg kick which misses Metsast's front leg but catches the back leg as Metsast tries to avoid it.
Metsast blocks a jab.
Nice shot by Stenger.
Metsast takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Metsast keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Stenger.
Metsast looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Stenger uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Metsast.
A nice side step and Stenger releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Metsast throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
A low kick from Metsast misses
and Stenger counters with a head kick. That will keep Metsast thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!
A big right from Metsast misses.
Donk. Stenger catches Metsast right on the button with a cross.
A solid leg kick lands there for Metsast.
Metsast tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Stenger was well out of range. Poor timing from Metsast.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Metsast throws an overhand right that lands on Stenger's shoulder, as Stenger tries to avoid the shot.
Stenger throws a big counter head kick but Metsast avoids it with no problem.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Metsast avoids the body shot from Stenger.
Stenger scores with a push kick.
Stenger scores with a head kick.
Stenger moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Stenger ducks under a wild hook from Metsast.
Stenger throws a fast counter high kick but Metsast manages to duck under it in time.
Stenger slips under a jab from Metsast.
Stenger throws a quick inside leg kick.
Metsast shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Stenger sprawls well. Stenger wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Metsast gets slowly back to his feet.
Stenger plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Stenger misses the shot to the body.
Metsast misses with an uppercut. Stenger saw that one coming.
Stenger with a jab.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Metsast steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Stenger. That one must have hurt.
Metsast misses with a takedown attempt - Stenger sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Metsast shoots in looking for a takedown. Stenger tries to sprawl out of it but Metsast keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Stenger manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Metsast lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Stenger lands a jab to the nose.
Stenger throws a leg kick but Metsast checks it.
A head kick misses from Stenger.
Stenger keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Stenger throws a head kick that misses.
Stenger circles away from the clinch attempt
letting Stenger counter with a right hand.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Stenger lands a big head kick that sends Metsast tumbling to the mat! Stenger takes a step backwards and waves Metsast back to his feet - he wants the finish!

Metsast is rocked!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Metsast swinging wildly here.
Oh Metsast is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Stenger misses with a hook.
Metsast drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Stenger cracks the inside of Metsast's front leg.
Metsast tries to clinch but Stenger is having none of it.
Metsast moves out of range of the leg kick from Stenger.
Metsast tries to close the distance and clinch up but Stenger swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Metsast seems to have got his legs back now.
Stenger has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Metsast misses with a body shot.
Stenger shapes to counter with a head kick.
Metsast misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Stenger counters with a leg kick.
Mees Metsast has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Metsast throws a head kick that misses.

And that's the end of the fight!
Aksel Stenger comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Stenger winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Steve Smith scores the fight 27:30
Judge Dillan Fox scores the fight 27:30
Judge Gregory Folan scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Aksel Stenger!
An out of breath Aksel Stenger thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.