PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Vertti Ekstrovertti (ranked 1158 p4p, 148 weight class) and Basten Sodergren (ranked 818 p4p, 111 weight class). The fight MMA fans around the world have waited their entire lives for!

Ekstrovertti
vs
Sodergren

190 cm
28
194 lbs
12 - 7 - 0

180 cm
35
192 lbs
32 - 15 - 1

Good wrestling
Lethal high kicks
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

FinnFighter Nutrition (Five 160Q supps!)

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 12 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Vertti Ekstrovertti!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 32 - 15 - 1, fighting out of New York, Basten Sodergren!
The judges for this bout are Timothy Bukovac, Frank Antenori and Don Winkell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ekstrovertti swings widly with a right hand
enabling Sodergren to counter with a crisp jab.
Sodergren doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Sodergren throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Sodergren misses with a hook.
Sodergren throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Ekstrovertti on the side of the head.
The fight stays on the outside here - Sodergren looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Ekstrovertti changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Ekstrovertti tries a head kick but it misses.
Sodergren throws a nice outside leg kick.
Sodergren with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Sodergren scores with a leg kick.
Vertti Ekstrovertti seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Ekstrovertti throws a right and a left that both miss.
Sodergren throws out a counter right but Ekstrovertti avoids it with no problem.
Sodergren scores with a jab to the body.
Sodergren paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Ekstrovertti takes one on the button.
Ekstrovertti tried to score with a low kick but Sodergren checks it.
Sodergren ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.

That's one minute gone in the round.
That kick from Sodergren tenderised Ekstrovertti's leg. Ekstrovertti is trying to keep his angry face on.
Sodergren buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Sodergren lands a glancing blow to the side of Ekstrovertti's head.
Ekstrovertti misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Sodergren.
Sodergren throws a sloppy head kick and Ekstrovertti moves out of range easily.
Ekstrovertti gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Ekstrovertti slips a straight right by Sodergren.
Ekstrovertti avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Ekstrovertti attempts a counter takedown but Sodergren avoids it well and moves away.
Sodergren throws out a loose jab but Ekstrovertti uses good head movement to avoid it.
Sodergren connects with a right hand. Ekstrovertti shakes it off.
Ekstrovertti throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Sodergren's waist but Sodergren gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Ekstrovertti off to one side.
Ekstrovertti tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Sodergren throws a body punch but Ekstrovertti moves out of range.
A jab from Ekstrovertti does it's job there.
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!
Ekstrovertti moves out of range of the strikes.
Ekstrovertti appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Ekstrovertti shoots in looking for a takedown but Sodergren manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Ekstrovertti's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The fight stays on the outside here - Sodergren looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Ekstrovertti half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Sodergren defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Ekstrovertti.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Vertti Ekstrovertti. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Sodergren moves out of range of the body kick from Ekstrovertti.
Sodergren ducks under a wild hook from Ekstrovertti.
Ekstrovertti misses with an uppercut. Sodergren saw that one coming.
Nice body punch from Ekstrovertti.
Ekstrovertti jabs Sodergren to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Sodergren throws a jab but it's blocked by Ekstrovertti.
Ekstrovertti attempts a counter takedown but Sodergren avoids it well and moves away.
Sodergren throws a sloppy head kick and Ekstrovertti moves out of range easily.
Ekstrovertti appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
A low kick from Sodergren is predictable there
enabling Ekstrovertti to counter with a crisp jab.
Sodergren ducks under a wild hook from Ekstrovertti.
Basten Sodergren is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Ekstrovertti throws out a loose jab but Sodergren uses good head movement to avoid it.
Sodergren throws out a counter right but Ekstrovertti avoids it with no problem.
Sodergren throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Ekstrovertti on the side of the head.
Ekstrovertti cracks Sodergren with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ekstrovertti tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Sodergren fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Ekstrovertti manages to avoid it.
Sodergren missing with a left hand there. Ekstrovertti was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Ekstrovertti.
Ekstrovertti throws an off balance right hand
enabling Sodergren to counter with a crisp jab.
Ekstrovertti scores with a nice head shot.
Sodergren throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Ekstrovertti throws a hook but Sodergren avoids it easily.
Sodergren checks a leg kick.
Sodergren throws a body shot but no joy.
Ekstrovertti lands a nice leg kick that just misses Sodergren's sensitive parts.
Sodergren tries to work over Ekstrovertti's front leg with a kick but Ekstrovertti checks it.
Sodergren fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Sodergren scoring well with a low kick there.
Ekstrovertti throws a body punch but Sodergren moves out of range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
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!
Ekstrovertti lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Ekstrovertti has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Sodergren.
Sodergren wants to clinch up but Ekstrovertti keeps it at a distance.
Sodergren staying out of range there.
Sodergren only half commits to the counter leg kick.
Ekstrovertti misses the jab.
Sodergren counters with a body kick.
Ekstrovertti fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Sodergren manages to avoid it.
Ekstrovertti slips under a jab from Sodergren.
Sodergren blocks a head kick by Ekstrovertti.
A jab lands there for Sodergren.
Ekstrovertti looks to score with a jab to the body but Sodergren is just out of range.
Sodergren moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Sodergren doesn't manage to clinch there - Ekstrovertti circles away.
Ekstrovertti takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Ekstrovertti throws a head kick but Sodergren moves out of range.
A solid leg kick lands there for Sodergren.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Basten Sodergren dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Ekstrovertti connects with a looping right hand.
Ekstrovertti cracks Sodergren with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Ekstrovertti jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Ekstrovertti lands a nice shot that snaps Sodergren's head back.
Sodergren scores with a leg kick.
Sodergren has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Crunch! Sodergren slams his shin into Ekstrovertti's torso.
Ekstrovertti blocks a jab.
Ekstrovertti misses with a looping right.

Sodergren tries to sprawl but Ekstrovertti drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Ekstrovertti prevents Sodergren from standing back up.
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!
Ekstrovertti tries to pass to full mount but Sodergren defends it.
Sodergren is trying to control but can't.
Ekstrovertti controlling the action here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ekstrovertti thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Sodergren's head.
Ekstrovertti wants to control but Sodergren is keeping him busy.
Ekstrovertti wants to pass the guard but Sodergren is defending well.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Sodergren is trying to stand.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Sodergren throws a lazy right hand but Ekstrovertti sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Ekstrovertti throws a sloppy head kick
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Ekstrovertti looks to score with a jab to the body but Sodergren is just out of range.
Ekstrovertti misses with a few strikes there.
Ekstrovertti uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Sodergren.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sodergren fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Ekstrovertti manages to avoid it.
Sodergren misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Ekstrovertti.
Sodergren ducks under a wild hook from Ekstrovertti.
Sodergren scoring well with a low kick there.
Ekstrovertti takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Ekstrovertti misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Sodergren counters with a stiff right hand.
Ekstrovertti blocks a jab.
Ekstrovertti looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Ekstrovertti swinging wildly here.
Ekstrovertti ducks under a wild hook from Sodergren.
Sodergren throws a wild body kick that Ekstrovertti sees coming a mile off.
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!
Ekstrovertti lands a head kick!
Ekstrovertti throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Ekstrovertti is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Ekstrovertti misses with a hook.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ekstrovertti throws a shot to the body.
Ekstrovertti checks a low kick from Sodergren.
Ekstrovertti throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Ekstrovertti throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Ekstrovertti lands a lovely overhand right.
An inside leg kick lands from Sodergren.
Sodergren connects with a jab.
Ekstrovertti throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Ekstrovertti scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Sodergren connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Ekstrovertti takes a swing at Sodergren's ribcage but misses.
Ekstrovertti misses with a takedown attempt

and Sodergren counters with a head kick that drops Ekstrovertti to the mat! Ekstrovertti scrambles across the canvas and gets back to his feet, still wobbly!

Ekstrovertti is rocked!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Sodergren will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Oh Ekstrovertti is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Ekstrovertti keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Sodergren throws a body shot but no joy.
Ekstrovertti seems to have got his legs back now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sodergren tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Sloppy strikes from Sodergren. Those never looked like landing.
Ekstrovertti checks a leg kick nicely.
Sodergren throws a quick inside leg kick.
Ekstrovertti slips under a jab.
Ekstrovertti feinted with a counter takedown.
Sodergren misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

Sodergren clinches.
A left hand lands to the body for Ekstrovertti.
Ekstrovertti blocking some punches.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Ekstrovertti creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Sodergren has a couple of punches blocked by Ekstrovertti.
Sodergren swings wildly with an uppercut but Ekstrovertti uses good head movement to avoid it.
Sodergren is working Ekstrovertti over against the cage.
Sodergren blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Basten Sodergren will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

A solid leg kick lands there for Ekstrovertti.
Sodergren throws a jab when Ekstrovertti was well out of range.
Sodergren lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Ekstrovertti throws a jab when Sodergren was well out of range.
Sodergren misses with a body kick.
Ekstrovertti misses the shot to the body.
Ekstrovertti lands a nice looking body shot.
Ekstrovertti misses with a takedown attempt
and Ekstrovertti takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Sodergren with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Sodergren scores with a jab to the jaw.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ekstrovertti keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Ekstrovertti dives in and grabs Sodergren's left leg, looking for a takedown. Sodergren pushes down on Ekstrovertti's head and hops out.
Ekstrovertti avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Ekstrovertti tries to counter with a takedown but Sodergren is quick to defend against it.
Basten Sodergren seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Sodergren throws a leg kick but Ekstrovertti sees it coming and moves out of range.
Good shot there by Sodergren.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sodergren throws a good cross that connects.
Ekstrovertti slips a jab from Sodergren.
Ekstrovertti throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Ekstrovertti takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Ekstrovertti changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Ekstrovertti steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Sodergren.
Ekstrovertti uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Sodergren.
Sodergren throws a solid leg kick but Ekstrovertti takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Sodergren.
Sodergren takes one on the button.
Ekstrovertti looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Ekstrovertti missing with a left hand there. Sodergren was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Sodergren takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
Ekstrovertti cracks the inside of Sodergren's front leg.
A decent looking cross lands there for Ekstrovertti.
Nice sprawl there from Sodergren as Ekstrovertti shoots in.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Vertti Ekstrovertti. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ekstrovertti uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Sodergren.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Ekstrovertti throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Sodergren on the side of the head.
Sodergren fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Ekstrovertti is out of range.
Ekstrovertti checks the leg kick nicely there.
Ekstrovertti feinted with a counter takedown.
Sodergren moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Ekstrovertti misses with a body shot.
Ekstrovertti misses the shot to the body.
Sodergren throws a hook but Ekstrovertti avoids it easily.
Sodergren looks to score with a jab to the body but Ekstrovertti is just out of range.
Sodergren slips under a jab.
Sodergren throws a right hand that misses
and Ekstrovertti counters with a nice body kick.
Ekstrovertti scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Ekstrovertti plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Ekstrovertti throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Sodergren throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Ekstrovertti sees it coming and avoids it easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sodergren's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Ekstrovertti connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Sodergren scrambles back to his feet.
A big left from Ekstrovertti misses.
Sodergren swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Ekstrovertti misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Sodergren pivots, looking for a leg kick but Ekstrovertti is out of range and Sodergren settles back down.
Sodergren lands with an uppercut that bounces Ekstrovertti off the cage and back into range.
Sodergren lands the left hand.
Sodergren is looking to slow Ekstrovertti down with leg kicks.
Sodergren uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Ekstrovertti.
Ekstrovertti misses with a body shot.
Ekstrovertti uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Sodergren.
A slow jab from Sodergren misses its intended target.
Sodergren moves out of range as Ekstrovertti throws a body kick.
Ekstrovertti backing away here, and Sodergren unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
Sodergren throws out a leg kick but Ekstrovertti moves out of range and Sodergren only half commits.
Sodergren connects with an inside leg kick.
Basten Sodergren is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sodergren avoids the body shot from Ekstrovertti.
Ekstrovertti pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
A shot to the liver by Sodergren. Beautiful body shot.
Sodergren works the jab nicely.
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!
Sodergren swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Sodergren avoids a punch combination nicely.
Ekstrovertti misses with a hook.
Sodergren throws a low kick but it's checked well by Ekstrovertti.
A solid leg kick lands there for Sodergren.
Sodergren throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Ekstrovertti sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Vertti Ekstrovertti has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Sodergren misses with a low kick.
Ekstrovertti looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Ekstrovertti tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Sodergren lands a leg kick that knocks Ekstrovertti off balance momentarily.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Basten Sodergren.
I've got Sodergren 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 Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 27:30
Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight 27:30
Judge Don Winkell scores the fight 27:30

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