PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Aleksi Saari (ranked 2869 p4p, 4174 weight class) and DeVon Hampton (ranked 372 p4p, 498 weight class). Saari comes to the cage accompanied by Oranssi Pazuzu - Lahja . Aleksi Saari has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Saari
vs
Hampton

191 cm
19
207
2 - 1 - 1

180 cm
19
205
5 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid boxing
Very quick

Powerful takedowns
Brawler
Good gas tank

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 2 - 1 - 1, fighting out of St Petersburg, Aleksi Saari!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, DeVon Hampton!
The judges for this bout are Bruno Lombardi, Dean Styles and John Roberts.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hampton fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Saari seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Saari will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Saari throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Hampton shoots in for a double leg but Saari sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Saari lands a nice hook to Hampton's body. Hampton takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Hampton fails with the takedown
and Saari counters with a one-two to the body.
Aleksi Saari has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of DeVon Hampton.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Saari!
Hampton fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Saari avoids it really well and circles away.
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!
Hampton is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saari swinging wildly here.
We've been told by Saari's head coaches at Beasties that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Aleksi Saari is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Saari throws a series of punches but Hampton moves out of range.
Hampton shoots in for a double leg but Saari sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Hampton fails with the takedown
and Saari counters with a nice uppercut.
Hampton tries to score a power double leg takedown but Saari sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Hampton somewhat.
Saari swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Hampton shoots in but Saari avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Hampton misses with a takedown attempt - Saari sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hampton shoots in looking for a takedown but Saari manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Hampton's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Saari is looking to counter punch.
Hampton gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Saari connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
DeVon Hampton seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hampton drops his hands momentarily and Saari takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Hampton with a lazy takedown attempt
and Saari counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Saari defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Hampton.
Hampton misses with a takedown
and Saari connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Saari throws a nice looking combination but Hampton bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Saari defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Hampton.
A counter left hand to the body from Saari misses its target.
Saari stuffs the takedown.
Saari lands a head shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saari scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Hampton takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Hampton tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Saari defends well and Hampton ends up having to push Saari into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Saari lands a two punch combo.
Hampton doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Hampton has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Saari finds it's way round the side to connect with Hampton's head.
Hampton shoots in and drives through. Saari sprawls well.
Saari lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.

Hampton is rocked!
Saari with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Hampton is still on wobbly legs! Can Saari finish him?
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Saari drops Hampton with a straight right hand, right on the button! Saari follows him down to the mat and pounds him out with hammerfists until the referee jumps in to end the fight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:45 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Aleksi Saari!
As Aleksi Saari got his breath back, he grabbed the microphone and managed to blurt out the following: Rohkea rokan syö.'.