PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Rich Wood (ranked 1698 p4p, 219 weight class) and Ruska Pakkanen (ranked 3512 p4p, 365 weight class). Rich Wood has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Wood
vs
Pakkanen

187 cm
22
185 lbs
3 - 3 - 0

185 cm
23
175 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Lethal high kicks
Cardio machine

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Organic Nutrition

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 3 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Rich Wood!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Ruska Pakkanen!
The judges for this bout are Johanna Lukiainen, Anni Minnemäki and Arvi Lind.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Pakkanen connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Wood's hands.
Pakkanen takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Pakkanen scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
A telegraphed right hand from Pakkanen misses the target.
Wood uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Pakkanen.

Wood instigates a clinch.
Pakkanen blocks an uppercut.
Pakkanen tries to break the clinch but Wood is controlling the position.
Pakkanen blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Pakkanen swings wildly with an uppercut but Wood uses good head movement to avoid it.
Wood throws a head punch that misses.
Pakkanen throws a punch but it's blocked by Wood.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Wood misses with a hook from the clinch.
Pakkanen scores with a shoulder strike.
Pakkanen is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Wood tries to land a knee to the head but Pakkanen blocks with his arms.
Wood throws an elbow but it misses.
Pakkanen blocks an elbow strike.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Pakkanen swings away with an uppercut that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Wood.
Pakkanen lands a hook that snaps the head of Wood backwards.
Pakkanen throws a head punch that misses.

Pakkanen breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Wood scores with a nice strike.

Wood gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Wood is working for takedown but Pakkanen is calmly controlling the position for now.
Pakkanen throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Woods head.
Pakkanen throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Pakkanen misses with a punch on the inside.
Wood misses with the head strike.

Pakkanen breaks the clinch.

Wood closes the distance and pushes Pakkanen back into the cage.
Pakkanen blocks an uppercut.
Wood misses with a punch on the inside.

Pakkanen breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Wood scores with a nice right hand.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Pakkanen throws a looping overhand right but Wood ducks down to avoid it.
Wood swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Ruska Pakkanen is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wood looks to land a left hand but Pakkanen moved out of range nicely.
Pakkanen scores with a shot to the body.
Pakkanen steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Wood.
Wood fails with a takedown attempt.
The fighters circling - Pakkanen throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Pakkanen defending well as Wood loads up on a big left hand.
We've been told by Wood's head coaches at DRAGON MMA - 11 Elite & 2 Double Elite Coaches that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Pakkanen throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Wood.
Wood connects with a leg kick. Pakkanen looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Pakkanen throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Wood shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Pakkanen but Pakkanen pushes him off and we're back to square one.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rich Wood. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Nice defenses there by Wood.
Wood swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Pakkanen looks to throw the jab but Wood is out of range.
Left hook, right uppercut from Wood.
Rich Wood seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Wood stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Pakkanen is looking to clinch.
Wood moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Wood throws a shot from downtown. Pakkanen moves away and avoids it.
Pakkanen moves away from the strike by Wood.
Wood tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Pakkanen looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Wood doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Pakkanen throws a hook but Wood avoids it easily.
A jab lands there for Wood.
Wood lands with a hook. Pakkanen tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Wood fails with an attempt to clinch.
Donk. Wood catches Pakkanen right on the button with a cross.
Pakkanen throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Wood throws a series of punches but Pakkanen avoids them all with ease.
A cross from Wood lands.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A combination from Pakkanen does no damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wood avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Wood uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Pakkanen.
Wood went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Wood jabs at Pakkanen's body.
Pakkanen shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Pakkanen swings for the body but Wood moves out of range.
Wood fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Pakkanen takes a jab right on the kisser.
Wood shoots in but Pakkanen avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Pakkanen on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Nice uppercut lands for Wood. That snapped Pakkanen's head back.
Wood falls off balance throwing a combination
and Pakkanen counters with a slapping leg kick.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Wood fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Pakkanen on the side of the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Rich Wood will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action!

Wood misses with an uppercut. Pakkanen saw that one coming.
Pakkanen ducks under a wild hook from Wood.
Wood misses with a hook.
Pakkanen now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Nice defenses there by Wood.
Wood bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Rich Wood is winning the standup battle so far.
Pakkanen scores with a jab.
Wood takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Wood ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.

Wood shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Pakkanen is trying to defend but Wood finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Wood landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Pakkanen trying to hold on to Wood's head to control him but Wood postures up.
Wood drops an elbow to the side of Pakkanen's head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nice strikes from Wood there.
Pakkanen 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.
Wood missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Wood not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Wood thows a huge punch but Pakkanen dodges it nicely.
Wood 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.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Wood throwing shots but Pakkanen is blocking nicely.
Wood 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.
Pakkanen avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Wood.
Wood thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Wood missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Wood throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Wood throwing shots but Pakkanen is blocking nicely.
Pakkanen really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Wood. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Wood throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Wood wants to free his trapped foot but Pakkanen is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Wood sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Pakkanen defending well though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wood thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Wood thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Pakkanen is looking to improve his position.
Wood throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Wood seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Wood looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Pakkanen with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Wood throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Wood missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Wood thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Pakkanen's head.
Pakkanen is looking to improve his position.
Pakkanen keeps trying to improve his position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Wood throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Wood 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.
Pakkanen is looking for a sweep. Wood is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Wood scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Wood landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.

Wood is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Pakkanen has managed to free his arm - good work.
Pakkanen trying to control but Wood postures up.
Rich Wood overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Wood looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Pakkanen with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Pakkanen manages to get to full guard.
Pakkanen looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wood lands a couple of digs.
Pakkanen avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Wood keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Pakkanen's head.
Wood working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Wood trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Wood is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Wood loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Wood is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Pakkanen can do to turn this around?
Wood throws a big right hand that misses.
Wood throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Pakkanen works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Pakkanen is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Pakkanen utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Rich Wood dominated that second round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Wood looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Pakkanen!
Pakkanen managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Wood.
Wood lands a decent elbow from side control.
Wood fails to land a wild elbow strike.
An elbow from Wood crashes against the mat.
Pakkanen is trying to control Wood's posture but Wood avoids it.
Wood misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
Wood creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Pakkanen sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Wood is putting a hurting on Pakkanen here, landing some big shots from side control.
Wood is looking to take a break and control but Pakkanen is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Sloppy strikes there by Wood.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Pakkanen is looking for a sweep.
Wood working the ground and pound.
Wood throws a strike aimed at the side of Pakkanen's head but Pakkanen avoids it well.
Wood working the ground and pound but Pakkanen is defending the strikes.
Wood trying to control the action but Pakkanen is working from the bottom.
Pakkanen tries to bench press Wood off him but Wood keeps the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Wood sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Pakkanen is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
Sloppy strikes there by Wood.
Wood is chipping away with strikes.
Wood trying to control the position but Pakkanen is working away.
Pakkanen tries to improve position but can't.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wood cracks Pakkanen with a big right hand but Pakkanen just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
The strikes coming from Wood are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
Pakkanen is trying to improve his position.
Wood is chipping away with strikes.

Wood is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Pakkanen is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Wood trying to control the position but Pakkanen is working away.
Wood working the ground and pound but Pakkanen is defending the strikes.
The ground and pound from Wood seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Wood throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Wood working the ground and pound but Pakkanen is defending the strikes.
Wood is chipping away with strikes.
Pakkanen is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Wood off and has taken his back!
You can see the frustration on Wood's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.
Wood is working hard here to advance position.
Will Pakkanen go for the finish here or will he try and keep control of the position?
Wood tries to roll but Pakkanen sticks to his back.
Wood trying to control but he's just got himself in more trouble.
Wood prevents Pakkanen from getting a body triangle.
Wood trying to control the action but Pakkanen just sinks the hooks in.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wood is in bad spot here.
Will Pakkanen go for the finish here or will he try and keep control of the position?
Wood trying to control the action but Pakkanen just sinks the hooks in.
Pakkanen missing with strikes from the back.
Wood rolls, trying to escape but Pakkanen keeps control of the position.
Ruska Pakkanen has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

And that's the end of the fight!
Rich Wood showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Wood has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 30:27
Judge Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 30:27
Judge Arvi Lind scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Rich Wood!
Rich Wood managed to slip a mention for his sponsors, Organic Nutrition, into his post fight interview.