PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Lucio Spartalainen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Capt Larsen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Larsen has chosen Gravediggaz - Diary of a madman as his entrance music. Capt Larsen will no doubt be looking to use his reach advantage to good effect.

Spartalainen
vs
Larsen

186 cm
24
212 lbs
6 - 1 - 0

197 cm
23
210 lbs
5 - 1 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Basic striking
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Knockout power

Tesla Apparel
NATURAL BEAST

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Lucio Spartalainen!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Capt Larsen!
The judges for this bout are Andrew Berry, James Glass and Chris Edwards.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Spartalainen drives through with a takedown into guard.
Spartalainen thows a big elbow that misses.
Larsen is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Larsen is on top in guard.
Spartalainen can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Larsen controls the pace.
Larsen trying to control the position from guard on top but Spartalainen is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Spartalainen is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Spartalainen 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.

Spartalainen looking for a guillotine here but Larsen defends easily.

Spartalainen throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Larsen sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Spartalainen lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Larsen!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Spartalainen looking to control but Larsen is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Larsen really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Spartalainen. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Larsen is looking to improve his position but Spartalainen isn't that keen on the idea.
Spartalainen wants to control the pace but Larsen is squirming around nicely.
Larsen holding onto his opponent's waist for dear life, as Spartalainen tries to land some strikes to get him to release his grip.
Larsen wants to control but Spartalainen is having none of it.

Spartalainen working for a guillotine from mount but Larsen is in no mood to give up.
Larsen is squirming around, avoiding Spartalainen's attempts to control the action.

Spartalainen looking to secure an arm triangle but Larsen defends it well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Larsen holding onto his opponent's waist for dear life, as Spartalainen tries to land some strikes to get him to release his grip.
Spartalainen wants to control the pace but Larsen is squirming around nicely.
Larsen is trying to get to the cage to help him get back to his feet.
Larsen wants to hold on but Spartalainen pushes him away.
Spartalainen thowing shots but they're missing.
Spartalainen lands a big shot there that rocks Larsen but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.

Spartalainen is looking to secure an arm. He's managed it! He's pivoting for an armbar - that looks tight! But Larsen has managed to get out of it and now he's in a dominant position. Nice work from Larsen!
Larsen throws a big right hand that misses.
Larsen wants to stand but Spartalainen has a closed guard, so he can't escape.

Spartalainen is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Larsen controlling from the top position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Larsen tries to stand but Spartalainen is controlling from the bottom.

Spartalainen looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Larsen must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

Spartalainen working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Larsen doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Larsen manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Spartalainen is breathing heavily.
Spartalainen is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Larsen wants to pass the guard but Spartalainen is keeping the position.
Spartalainen keeping moving, preventing Larsen from controlling successfully.
Larsen not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.

Spartalainen working for a triangle but Larsen defends it easily.
Spartalainen tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Larsen sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Larsen trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Larsen misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Larsen tries to clinch but Spartalainen moves out of range.
Larsen wants to clinch up but Spartalainen keeps it at a distance.
Capt Larsen seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
No luck for Spartalainen with that takedown attempt.
Capt Larsen is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Danga de danga de dang - Larsen scores with a four punch combination!
Larsen tries to clinch there but Spartalainen circles away.
Larsen tries to clinch there but Spartalainen circles away.
Larsen misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Spartalainen avoids a punch combination nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Capt Larsen dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Spartalainen shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Larsen as he avoids it easily.

Spartalainen scores with a takedown into Larsen's guard.
Larsen wants to stand but Spartalainen is controlling the position.
Spartalainen looking to pass the guard.
Larsen working a defensive guard here.
Spartalainen tries to free his leg and advance position but Larsen is retaining full guard.
Larsen is trying to control the position from the bottom.

Spartalainen drops back looking for a leg! Larsen is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Larsen manages to kick Spartalainen off! Spartalainen jumps back into Larsen's guard.
Larsen keeping moving, preventing Spartalainen from controlling successfully.
Spartalainen throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Nice sprawl there from Larsen as Spartalainen shoots in.
Spartalainen showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Larsen.
Spartalainen dodges the punch combination from Larsen.
Larsen moves in looking to clinch but Spartalainen pushes him off.
Larsen keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Lucio Spartalainen. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Spartalainen looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into mount! Oh, that's bad for Larsen!
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Larsen is wriggling around trying to escape.
Spartalainen throws an elbow from mount that misses. Lucky escape for Larsen because Spartalainen loaded up on that one.
Larsen is looking to get to half guard.
Spartalainen throwing sloppy strikes here. Perhaps if he tightened up his striking from such a dominant position, he'd be able to finish easier.
Larsen is wriggling around trying to escape.
Spartalainen tries to control but Larsen wriggling away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Larsen's corner is telling him to maintain position.

Spartalainen has his foot on Larsen's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Larsen works his way back into a safe position though.
Larsen won't allow Spartalainen to sweep him here.
Larsen controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Larsen tries to free his leg and advance position but Spartalainen is retaining full guard.

Larsen stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Spartalainen closes the distance and clinches up with Larsen, looking for a takedown. Spartalainen pushes Larsen against the cage but Larsen circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Larsen tries to clinch up.
The fight stays on the outside here - Larsen looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Spartalainen throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Larsen's waist but Larsen gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Spartalainen off to one side.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Larsen pushes Spartalainen up against the cage in a clinch.
Knees to the body from Larsen.

Larsen breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Larsen doesn't manage to clinch there - Spartalainen circles away.
Capt Larsen is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Spartalainen swats away the attempt to clinch by Larsen.
Larsen wants to clinch.
Some wild striking there from Larsen.

Larsen has Spartalainen up against the cage in a clinch.

Larsen escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Larsen throws a nice looking combination but Spartalainen bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Larsen throws a head kick that misses.
Larsen misses the jab.
Spartalainen looks for a takedown but Larsen sprawls well.
Spartalainen shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Larsen as he jumps to the side.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Larsen doesn't manage to clinch there - Spartalainen circles away.
Larsen tries to close the distance and clinch but Spartalainen swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Spartalainen avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Nice takedown defense from Larsen. No joy for Spartalainen on that attempt.
Spartalainen fails with the takedown.
Spartalainen shoots in but no luck this time.

Spartalainen shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Spartalainen won't allow Larsen to get back to his feet.
Larsen is pulling down on Spartalainen's head. It's preventing any offense from Spartalainen, at least for the moment.
Larsen keeping full guard, as Spartalainen tries to pass.

Larsen is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.
Larsen with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Larsen missing with knees to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Capt Larsen 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!

Larsen tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Larsen is looking to clinch.

Larsen has Spartalainen up against the cage in a clinch.
Spartalainen tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Larsen just stands there and leans against the cage.
Larsen stops a takedown attempt from Spartalainen.

Larsen breaks from the clinch.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Spartalainen.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Lucio Spartalainen. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Larsen tries to clinch there but Spartalainen circles away.
Larsen tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Spartalainen dodges the punch combination from Larsen.
Spartalainen swats away the attempt to clinch by Larsen.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Spartalainen misses with a takedown attempt - Larsen sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Spartalainen shoots for a double leg takedown but Larsen sprawls well. He's pushed Spartalainen's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Larsen fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Spartalainen slips a jab and a cross from Larsen.
Spartalainen shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Larsen pinned against the cage. Larsen gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Spartalainen gets a takedown into half guard.
Larsen has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Spartalainen is working away from the top position though.
Larsen is doing well to control the position and prevent Spartalainen from advancing to side control.
Larsen is pressing down on Spartalainen's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.

Larsen pushes Spartalainen off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
Spartalainen fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Larsen has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Spartalainen finds it's way round the side to connect with Larsen's head.
Larsen tries to clinch but Spartalainen moves out of range.
Larsen throws a right and a left that Spartalainen avoids nicely.

Spartalainen scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.

Spartalainen thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Larsen is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.
Larsen can't do much from the bottom here.
Spartalainen throwing ground and pound but whilst doing so, he forgets to control position and Larsen works his way back to half guard. Good composure under pressure.
Spartalainen wants to control but Larsen is keeping him busy.
Larsen wants to improve his position but Spartalainen is controlling well.
Larsen pushes Spartalainen off looking to stand but Spartalainen dives back in and keeps control.

Spartalainen seems to be looking for submissions.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Spartalainen circles away from the clinch attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Spartalainen throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Larsen's waist but Larsen gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Spartalainen off to one side.
Larsen tries to clinch but Spartalainen moves out of range.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Spartalainen.
Larsen is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Spartalainen is controlling him well.
Spartalainen throws a strike aimed at the side of Larsen's head but Larsen avoids it well.
Larsen is trying to control Spartalainen's posture but Spartalainen avoids it.

Spartalainen looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Larsen keeps Spartalainen under control for a moment.
Spartalainen wants to lay and pray for a moment but Larsen keeps working.
Larsen sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.

Larsen has one foot on Spartalainen's thigh - he pushes off and manages to get back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Larsen is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Larsen stuffs the takedown.

Larsen clinches up with Spartalainen and pushes him back against the cage.
Larsen misses with a knee to the head.
Larsen using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Spartalainen has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.

Larsen pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Larsen throws a leg kick but Spartalainen sees it coming and checks it nicely.

Spartalainen gets the takedown into side control.
Larsen can't do much from the bottom here.
Spartalainen throws a strike aimed at the side of Larsen's head but Larsen avoids it well.
The ground and pound from Spartalainen seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
Lucio Spartalainen has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Spartalainen is trying to get an arm triangle but Larsen is defending well.
Larsen is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Spartalainen asserts his dominance and retains side control.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Lucio Spartalainen.
I think Larsen has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Andrew Berry scores the fight 28:29
Judge James Glass scores the fight 28:29
Judge Chris Edwards scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Capt Larsen!