PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Iikka Runnisto (ranked 533 p4p, 71 weight class) and Casper Timmermans (ranked 518 p4p, 67 weight class). Runnisto comes to the cage accompanied by Alta Pois - Sie sua näkköös!. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Runnisto
vs
Timmermans

182 cm
33
192 lbs
30 - 16 - 2

187 cm
32
201 lbs
26 - 13 - 1

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Olympic wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Conviction
Ma Balls Is Hot Clothing

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 30 - 16 - 2, fighting out of Helsinki, Iikka Runnisto!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 26 - 13 - 1, fighting out of Sydney, Casper Timmermans!
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, Timothy Bukovac and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nice shot by Timmermans.
Runnisto misses the shot to the body.
Runnisto has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Gentlemans Offence and Defense System in the buildup to the fight.
Runnisto walks into a stiff left hand from Timmermans.
A bone on bone clash there as Runnisto blocks the leg kick.
Timmermans misses with a body shot.
Runnisto missing with a left hand there. Timmermans was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Timmermans throws a big shot that misses.
Timmermans scores with a jab. Runnisto acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Runnisto throws a looping overhand right but Timmermans ducks down to avoid it.
Timmermans takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Timmermans motions for Runnisto to come forward. Timmermans throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Timmermans slips a jab from Runnisto.
Runnisto keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Runnisto on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Timmermans tries for a takedown but Runnisto sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Timmermans misses with the combination.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Runnisto ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Runnisto looks to land a left hand but Timmermans moved out of range nicely.
Timmermans is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Runnisto.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Timmermans tries to close the distance and clinch up but Runnisto swats him away and circles back towards the center.

Timmermans scores with a takedown into Runnisto's guard.
Timmermans missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Timmermans trying to control but Runnisto is working from the bottom.
Timmermans lands a couple of digs.
Timmermans wants to control from the top but Runnisto keeps moving.
Runnisto wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Timmermans 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.
Runnisto controlling the position.
Timmermans loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Runnisto keeping full guard, as Timmermans tries to pass.
Runnisto is trying to control the position from the bottom.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Timmermans steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Runnisto.
Timmermans looks for a takedown but Runnisto sprawls well.
Runnisto misses with a series of wild punches.

Timmermans moves into the clinch.
Runnisto blocking some punches.
Timmermans fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Runnisto lands a right hand.
Runnisto has a couple of punches blocked by Timmermans.

Runnisto pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Timmermans takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A big left from Runnisto misses.
Runnisto looks to score with a jab to the body but Timmermans is just out of range.
Timmermans avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Timmermans slips a jab and a cross from Runnisto.
Timmermans misses with an attempted mid kick.
Casper Timmermans seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Timmermans moves out of range as Runnisto strikes.
Timmermans misses with a takedown attempt
and Runnisto counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Iikka Runnisto has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Casper Timmermans.
Timmermans misses with a right hand
letting Runnisto counter with a right hand.
Runnisto throws a looping overhand right but Timmermans ducks down to avoid it.
Timmermans just misses with a punch to the body.
Runnisto throws a jab but it's blocked by Timmermans.
Runnisto lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Timmermans backs up against the cage.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Runnisto enables Timmermans to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Runnisto manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Timmermans wants to control from the top but Runnisto keeps moving.
Runnisto lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Runnisto controlling from the top position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Timmermans looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Runnisto showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Timmermans looking to hit a scissor sweep but Runnisto is one step ahead there.
Runnisto is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Iikka Runnisto dominated that 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.

Runnisto drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Timmermans jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Runnisto throws a right hand that misses
and Timmermans cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Timmermans closes the distance and clinches up with Runnisto, looking for a takedown. Timmermans pushes Runnisto against the cage but Runnisto circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Timmermans motions for Runnisto to come forward. Timmermans throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Timmermans misses with a wild body shot.
The fighters circling - Timmermans throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Runnisto stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Runnisto wants it to stay on the feet.
Timmermans misses with a two punch combination.
Timmermans will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Iikka Runnisto has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Casper Timmermans.
Timmermans jabs Runnisto right on the nose. Runnisto blinks but takes it well.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Timmermans throws a left and a right that both miss
and Runnisto counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Timmermans connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Runnisto slips under a jab.
Timmermans shoots in and drives through. Runnisto sprawls well.
Timmermans ducks under a wild hook from Runnisto.
Runnisto buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
No joy there for Timmermans, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Iikka Runnisto is winning the standup battle so far.
Timmermans throws a head kick that half lands.
Timmermans shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Runnisto as he avoids it easily.
Timmermans avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Timmermans misses with an uppercut. Runnisto saw that one coming.
Runnisto tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Timmermans shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Runnisto but Runnisto pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Timmermans closes the distance and clinches up with Runnisto, looking for a takedown. Timmermans pushes Runnisto against the cage but Runnisto circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Runnisto is looking to counter punch.
A lazy body kick from Timmermans
and Runnisto counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Timmermans is breathing heavily.
Runnisto connects with a body shot that sends Timmermans's belly button to the back.
Timmermans doesn't manage to clinch there - Runnisto circles away.
Timmermans looks to throw the jab but Runnisto is out of range.
Timmermans tries to clinch there but Runnisto circles away.
A big left from Runnisto misses.
Runnisto ducks under a wild hook from Timmermans.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Timmermans on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Timmermans throws a big shot that misses.
Runnisto throws a body punch but Timmermans moves out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Timmermans displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Runnisto throws out the jab.
Timmermans throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Runnisto is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Timmermans.
Runnisto lands with a slapping head kick.
Timmermans throws a jab when Runnisto was well out of range.
Timmermans loads up on a big right hand but Runnisto slips the punch.
Runnisto connects with a jab.
Timmermans lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
A decent looking cross lands there for Timmermans.
Timmermans changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Runnisto tries to avoid it but Timmermans manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Runnisto to the ground. Runnisto escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
A big left from Runnisto misses.
A nice leg kick lands there from Runnisto.
Runnisto scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Timmermans misses with an uppercut
and Runnisto counters with a straight right hand.
Timmermans misses with a looping right.
A bone on bone clash there as Timmermans blocks the leg kick.
Runnisto walks into a straight right hand from Timmermans.
Timmermans has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Runnisto finds it's way round the side to connect with Timmermans's head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Runnisto cracks Timmermans with a good jab.
Timmermans throws out a loose jab but Runnisto uses good head movement to avoid it.
Timmermans looks to score with a jab to the body but Runnisto is just out of range.
Timmermans slips a jab from Runnisto.
Timmermans scores with a hook.
Timmermans jabbing away but nothing is landing.
It looked like Runnisto wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Timmermans closes the distance and clinches up with Runnisto, looking for a takedown. Timmermans pushes Runnisto against the cage but Runnisto circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Runnisto is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Timmermans.
Runnisto tries to move into range but Timmermans moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Nice cross by Timmermans.
Timmermans throws a jab when Runnisto was well out of range.
Runnisto swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Timmermans avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Timmermans misses with a leg kick.
Runnisto misses with a body shot.
Runnisto throws a shot from downtown. Timmermans moves away and avoids it.
Timmermans lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Timmermans with a lazy takedown attempt
and Runnisto counters with a stiff right hand.
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!
Runnisto takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A nice combination there by Timmermans.
Timmermans throws a hook but Runnisto blocks it.
Runnisto lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Runnisto moves away from the strike by Timmermans.
Runnisto throws a body shot but no joy.
Timmermans shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Runnisto pinned against the cage. Runnisto gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Runnisto fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Timmermans on the side of the head.
Timmermans tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Runnisto connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Runnisto loads up on a big right hand but Timmermans slips the punch.
Timmermans looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Runnisto seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Timmermans steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Runnisto.
Timmermans tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Runnisto paws at him with a jab and circles away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Iikka Runnisto will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Nice body punch from Timmermans.
Runnisto blocks the body kick.
Runnisto throws a lazy right hand but Timmermans sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Timmermans thows a left - swing and a miss!
A punch combination from Timmermans misses.
Runnisto scores with a hook.
Timmermans tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Runnisto paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Timmermans scores with a jab to the head.
Runnisto misses with a left hand

and Timmermans counters by moving into the clinch.

Runnisto breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Timmermans tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Runnisto is able to avoid easily.
Jab, jab by Runnisto - just one landing.
Timmermans tries to land a front kick but Runnisto steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Runnisto scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Runnisto throws a shot from downtown. Timmermans moves away and avoids it.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Runnisto throws a body punch but Timmermans moves out of range.
Runnisto misses with a hook to the body
and Timmermans counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Runnisto slips a straight right by Timmermans.
Timmermans swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Runnisto counters with an outside leg kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Timmermans gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
A right handed body shot lands from Runnisto.
Timmermans takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Runnisto lands a body shot in the clinch.
Runnisto lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Timmermans backwards.
Timmermans prevents a body shot from Runnisto.
Runnisto misses with a short punch on the inside.
Runnisto misses with a body punch.
Runnisto lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Runnisto blocking some punches.
Timmermans goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Runnisto tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
A short right from Runnisto.

Runnisto breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Timmermans tries to clinch there but Runnisto circles away.
Runnisto was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Runnisto misses with an uppercut.
Timmermans closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Timmermans moves out of range of the strikes.
Timmermans avoids the body shot from Runnisto.
Casper Timmermans has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Runnisto takes a shot right to the bread basket.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Timmermans lands with a thumping leg kick.
Timmermans fails with an attempt to clinch.
Runnisto feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Timmermanss jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Timmermans keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Timmermans throws a hook but Runnisto avoids it easily.
An inside leg kick lands from Timmermans.
Timmermans lunges at Runnisto with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Runnisto's hand.
Timmermans rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Runnisto moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Runnisto swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
A slow jab from Timmermans misses its intended target.
A head kick misses from Timmermans.
Runnisto ducks under a wild hook from Timmermans.
Timmermans throws a leg kick
letting Runnisto counter with a right hand.
Timmermans takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Timmermans.
Runnisto comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Timmermans takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Runnisto uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Timmermans.
Iikka Runnisto is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Timmermans throws a series of punches but Runnisto moves out of range.
Donk. Runnisto catches Timmermans right on the button with a cross.
Runnisto looks to land a right hand but Timmermans moved out of range.
Timmermans has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Runnisto keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Runnisto connects with a body shot that sends Timmermans's belly button to the back.
Timmermans misses with a body punch
and Runnisto cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Runnisto misses with a jab, cross combination.
Timmermans throws out a loose jab but Runnisto uses good head movement to avoid it.
Runnisto swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Timmermans checks the leg kick nicely there.
Runnisto goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Runnisto connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
A jab from Timmermans misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Jab, jab by Timmermans - just one landing.
A swing and a miss from Timmermans.
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!
Timmermans listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Runnisto slips under a jab from Timmermans.
Runnisto swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Timmermans ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Runnisto moves away.
Timmermans on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Timmermans shoots in looking for a takedown but Runnisto manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Timmermans's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Iikka Runnisto has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Casper Timmermans.
Timmermans pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Runnisto works the jab nicely.
Timmermans takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Timmermans shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Runnisto sprawls well. Runnisto wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Timmermans gets slowly back to his feet.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Runnisto blocks a jab.
Runnisto keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Runnisto lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Timmermans scores with a jab to the jaw.

And that's the end of the fight!
Iikka Runnisto showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Runnisto, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Jack Bonds scores the fight 30:27
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 30:27
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Iikka Runnisto!