PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Veikko Keskinen (ranked 3109 p4p, 338 weight class) and Simo Ahvenus (ranked 1723 p4p, 204 weight class). Veikko Keskinen had a look across the cage there at his opponent. He definitely means business

Keskinen
vs
Ahvenus

168 cm
19
163 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

178 cm
20
154 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

Decent wrestler
Good knees
Self confident

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Veikko Keskinen!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Simo Ahvenus!
The judges for this bout are Matti Vanhoillinen, Marco Blurström and Tarja Halkonen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Ahvenus shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Ahvenus not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Ahvenus connects with a nice short shot to Keskinen's temple.
Ahvenus lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Ahvenus is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Ahvenus slips a nice elbow through Keskinen's hands, connecting with Keskinen's forehead.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ahvenus landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Ahvenus throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Keskinen on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Keskinen tries to get out of the position.
Ahvenus not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Ahvenus missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ahvenus is trying to control. Keskinen wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Ahvenus scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Ahvenus thows a huge punch but Keskinen dodges it nicely.
Ahvenus has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Well, if Ahvenus 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.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Ahvenus connects with a nice short shot to Keskinen's temple.
Ahvenus controlling the pace.
Keskinen has hold of Ahvenus's hands but Ahvenus slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Ahvenus lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Ahvenus in particular looking to stall.
Ahvenus slips a nice elbow through Keskinen's hands, connecting with Keskinen's forehead.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ahvenus looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Ahvenus looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Keskinen with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Nice strikes from Ahvenus there.
Keskinen keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Ahvenus is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Keskinen is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Ahvenus scores with a couple of nice shots.
Ahvenus lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Ahvenus is nestled in close to Keskinen, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Ahvenus landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Keskinen knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Ahvenus on the ground.
Ahvenus content to control rather than advance.
Keskinen blocking the ground and pound attempt from Ahvenus.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Simo Ahvenus dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Ahvenus bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Ahvenus is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Keskinen throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Ahvenus drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Keskinen defends it well.
Keskinen throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Ahvenus has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Keskinen stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Keskinen wants it to stay on the feet.
Keskinen wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Ahvenus dives in for a single leg takedown but Keskinen sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Keskinen wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Keskinen moves in looking to clinch but Ahvenus pushes him off.
Keskinen is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Ahvenus fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Veikko Keskinen has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Simo Ahvenus.
Keskinen looks to score with a jab to the body but Ahvenus is just out of range.
Keskinen tries to clinch but Ahvenus is having none of it.
Ahvenus just misses with a punch to the body.
Keskinen tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Ahvenus manages to circle out of the way.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Ahvenus is defended easily by Keskinen.
Simo Ahvenus is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Ahvenus shoots in for a takedown but Keskinen shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Ahvenus fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Keskinen manages to avoid it.
Keskinen throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Ahvenus.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Keskinen takes a swing at Ahvenus's ribcage but misses.
Keskinen checks a low kick from Ahvenus.
Ahvenus dives in for a single leg takedown but Keskinen sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Ahvenus will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Keskinen looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Horrible takedown attempt by Ahvenus or perhaps it was just good defense by Keskinen, which made it look bad.
Keskinen tries to counter by clinching up but Ahvenus breaks away and moves out of range.
Keskinen keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Keskinen scores with a shot to the body.

Ahvenus scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Keskinen tries to roll over but Ahvenus keeps him under control.

Ahvenus is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Keskinen doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Ahvenus.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Ahvenus is controlling the pace.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ahvenus missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Keskinen is refusing to be controlled, as Ahvenus sits in half guard.
Ahvenus working over Keskinen with some ground and pound. Keskinen looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Ahvenus not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Ahvenus lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Simo Ahvenus will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Keskinen jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Veikko Keskinen has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Keskinen misses with a telegraphed body shot

and Ahvenus counters with a shoot takedown. Keskinen fights it but they end up in guard.
Ahvenus scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Ahvenus has been taking part in the yoga sessions down at K.O Heaven. Presumably he's going to look for a slick submission... Or maybe he's looking to avoid one.
Ahvenus works over Keskinen with some ground and pound from guard.
Ahvenus scoring with punches to the head and body.
Ahvenus landing with the ground and pound.
Ahvenus is working Keskinen over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Ahvenus cracks Keskinen with a solid left hand.
Ahvenus missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ahvenus lands a couple of digs.
Ahvenus wants to control from the top but Keskinen keeps moving.
Ahvenus postures up and lands a big shot to Keskinen's brow.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ahvenus scoring with punches to the head and body.
Ahvenus with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Ahvenus trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Ahvenus passes Keskinen's left leg - he's now in half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Ahvenus scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Ahvenus trying to control the pace.
Ahvenus is nestled in close to Keskinen, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.

Ahvenus in half guard on the top. He's looking for a kimura... He's got it locked and he's managed to free his trapped foot. Keskinen tries to escape but it's on too tight and he has to tap! Great BJJ skills there from Ahvenus!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:59 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Simo Ahvenus!