PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Eh Phuthong (ranked 3245 p4p, 3534 weight class) and Raja Jooseppi (ranked 175 p4p, 183 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Phuthong
vs
Jooseppi

178 cm
19
147
3 - 3 - 0

168 cm
19
146
2 - 4 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Powerful takedowns
Decent boxing
Powerful

Ma Balls Is Hot Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Eh Phuthong!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Raja Jooseppi!
The judges for this bout are Ian Loll, Yves DeLean and Gregory Folan.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Jooseppi on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Jooseppi takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Phuthong throws a hook to the side of Jooseppi's head but Jooseppi sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Phuthong misses the shot to the body.
Phuthong misses the body punch
enabling Jooseppi to counter with a crisp jab.
A telegraphed right hand from Phuthong misses the target.
Jooseppi looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Phuthong misses with a wild body shot.
Phuthong throws out a loose jab but Jooseppi uses good head movement to avoid it.
Jooseppi throws a body punch but Phuthong moves out of range.
Phuthong misses with an uppercut. Jooseppi saw that one coming.
Phuthong ducks under a wild hook from Jooseppi.
Phuthong thuds his right hand into Jooseppi's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Phuthong looks to score with a jab to the body but Jooseppi is just out of range.
Jooseppi throws out a counter right but Phuthong avoids it with no problem.
Phuthong throws the left hand but Jooseppi avoids the punch easily.
Jooseppi swings for the body but Phuthong moves out of range.
Jooseppi uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Phuthong.
Jooseppi uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Phuthong misses with a wild body shot.
Jooseppi throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Jooseppi throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Jooseppi takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Jooseppi lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Phuthong jabs at Jooseppi's body.
Phuthong throws the left hand but Jooseppi avoids the punch easily.
Jooseppi loads up on a big right hand but Phuthong slips the punch.
Phuthong throws a lazy right hand but Jooseppi sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Phuthong lands with a straight right. Jooseppi didn't see that one coming.
The crowd cheers as Phuthong lands an impressive looking overhand right. Jooseppi doesn't seem phased though.
Phuthong misses with a looping left.
Eh Phuthong is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Nice cross by Jooseppi.
Jooseppi misses with a hook.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Phuthong misses with a straight right.
Phuthong throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Jooseppi is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Phuthong misses with a looping left.
The crowd cheers as Phuthong lands an impressive looking overhand right. Jooseppi doesn't seem phased though.
Jooseppi misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Phuthong.
Phuthong swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Phuthong avoids the body shot from Jooseppi.
Jooseppi takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Phuthong misses with a wild body shot.
We've been told by Phuthong's head coaches at Far-Q Fight Club that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Phuthong throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Jooseppi stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Phuthong lands a lovely overhand right.
Jooseppi throws a looping overhand right but Phuthong ducks down to avoid it.
Phuthong misses with a right hand
and Jooseppi counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Jooseppi wants to clinch up but Phuthong keeps it at a distance.
Jooseppi uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Phuthong.
Phuthong takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Phuthong, as that shot connected.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jooseppi moves forwards but Phuthong connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Phuthong looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.

Jooseppi shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Phuthong is trying to defend but Jooseppi finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Phuthong is refusing to be controlled, as Jooseppi sits in half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Jooseppi missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Jooseppi is looking to take a break and control but Phuthong is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Phuthong tries to roll over but Jooseppi keeps him under control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Phuthong is trying to stand.
Jooseppi is trying to advance to mount but he's lost his balance and Phuthong reverses the position - he's now on top in Jooseppi's guard.
Phuthong showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Jooseppi is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

Phuthong stands up and waves to Jooseppi to follow him.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Eh Phuthong dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action.

Phuthong getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Phuthong works Jooseppi's body with a nice hook.
Phuthong ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Nice defenses there by Jooseppi.
Jooseppi has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.
Jooseppi throws out a loose jab but Phuthong uses good head movement to avoid it.
Phuthong lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Eh Phuthong seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Jooseppi jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Phuthong misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Jooseppi.
Jooseppi throws the left hand but Phuthong avoids the punch easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Phuthong scores with a body shot.
Phuthong digs a good body shot into Jooseppi's ribs.
Phuthong thuds a left hand into Jooseppi's body.
Phuthong scores with a sloppy right hand. Jooseppi should have avoided that one.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A big left from Jooseppi misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Phuthong slips a straight right by Jooseppi.
Jooseppi tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Phuthong was well out of range. Poor timing from Jooseppi.
Jooseppi looks to land a left hand but Phuthong moved out of range nicely.
Phuthong misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Jooseppi.
Phuthong throws a one two combo.
Phuthong looks to score with a jab to the body but Jooseppi is just out of range.
Phuthong tests Jooseppi's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Phuthong tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Jooseppi was well out of range. Poor timing from Phuthong.
Jooseppi looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Jooseppi misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Phuthong.
Phuthong is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Jooseppi can do to turn this around?
Phuthong moves out of range of the strikes.
Phuthong moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Phuthong misses with a looping left.
Jooseppi misses with a straight left.
Phuthong lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Phuthong connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Jooseppi scores with a three punch combo!
Phuthong is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Phuthong tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Jooseppi was well out of range. Poor timing from Phuthong.
Jooseppi appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Phuthong lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
A telegraphed right hand from Phuthong misses the target.
Phuthong lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Phuthong takes a swing at Jooseppi's ribcage but misses.
Jooseppi takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Phuthong throws out a powerful jab.
Jooseppi displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Phuthong throws out the jab.
Jooseppi with the counter takedown but Phuthong avoids it easily.
Phuthong looks to throw the jab but Jooseppi is out of range.
Jab, jab by Phuthong - just one landing.
Jooseppi keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Phuthong uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Jooseppi.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Phuthong moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Phuthong swats away the attempt to clinch by Jooseppi.
Jooseppi misses with a wild combination.
Phuthong jabbing away but nothing is landing.
A swing and a miss from Phuthong.
Phuthong throws a shot from downtown. Jooseppi moves away and avoids it.
Jooseppi throws a hook but Phuthong blocks it.
Phuthong was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Phuthong throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Eh Phuthong is winning the standup battle so far.
Phuthong sizes up Jooseppi with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Jooseppi avoids the body shot from Phuthong.
Jooseppi ducks under a wild hook from Phuthong.
Phuthong throws a body punch but Jooseppi moves out of range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Phuthong swings for the body but Jooseppi moves out of range.
Jooseppi dodges the punch combination from Phuthong.
Phuthong takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Jooseppi slips under a jab.
Phuthong connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Jooseppi momentarily.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Jooseppi lands a head shot.
Jooseppi closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Phuthong tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Jooseppi was well out of range. Poor timing from Phuthong.
Phuthong throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Jooseppi sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Phuthong stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Phuthong wants it to stay on the feet.
Phuthong scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Phuthong's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Jooseppi connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Phuthong scrambles back to his feet.
Phuthong rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Jooseppi counters with a right hand to the body.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Eh Phuthong dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Phuthong ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Phuthong throws a good cross that connects.
Phuthong loads up on a big right hand but Jooseppi slips the punch.
Nice straight punches there by Phuthong. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Phuthong.
Phuthong lands a glancing blow to the side of Jooseppi's head.
Jooseppi misses with a body shot.
Jooseppi misses with a straight right.
Phuthong uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Jooseppi.
A slow jab from Phuthong misses its intended target.
Phuthong throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Jooseppi sees it coming and avoids it easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A big left from Jooseppi misses.
A quick step to the side and Phuthong tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Phuthong jabs Jooseppi to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Jooseppi displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Phuthong throws out the jab.
The fighters circle momentarily. Phuthong darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
A looping hook to the body misses from Jooseppi. Phuthong does a little dance to reset his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Phuthong misses with an uppercut. Jooseppi saw that one coming.
Phuthong throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Jooseppi stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Phuthong takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Jooseppi moves forwards but Phuthong connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Jooseppi connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Phuthong slips under a jab.
Jooseppi fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Jooseppi looks to land a right hand but Phuthong moved out of range.
Jooseppi walks into a jab.
Jooseppi gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Jooseppi defending well as Phuthong loads up on a big left hand.
Phuthong moves into range and connects with a jab.
A shot to the body from Phuthong misses
and Phuthong takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Eh Phuthong is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Phuthong lands a glancing blow to the side of Jooseppi's head.
Phuthong is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Phuthong loads up on a big right hand but Jooseppi slips the punch.
Phuthong scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Jooseppi has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Phuthong throws a body punch but Jooseppi moves out of range.
Jooseppi misses with a looping right.
Phuthong loads up on a big right hand but Jooseppi slips the punch.
Phuthong keeps the fight on the outside.
Jooseppi uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Phuthong.
Phuthong connects with a crisp jab.

Jooseppi shoots in and bounces Phuthong off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Phuthong preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jooseppi trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Jooseppi working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Jooseppi trying to control the position from guard on top but Phuthong is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Jooseppi with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.

Phuthong has scooted to the edge of the canvas and used the cage to get back to his feet. Jooseppi has stuck on his opponent and is forcing him back against the cage.

Phuthong gets control of Jooseppi's arms and successfully pulls guard. Phuthong will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Phuthong keeping moving, preventing Jooseppi from controlling successfully.
Jooseppi trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Jooseppi is pushing down on Phuthong's leg trying to pass to half guard. Phuthong is fighting to maintain full guard but Jooseppi has managed to sneak the leg through.

Jooseppi is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Jooseppi is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Phuthong trying to control but Jooseppi postures up.
Raja Jooseppi has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Jooseppi is trying to control. Phuthong wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Phuthong is trying to stand up here but Jooseppi is controlling him well.
Jooseppi lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Phuthong is looking to improve his position.

And that's the end of the fight!
Eh Phuthong showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Phuthong has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Ian Loll scores the fight 30:27
Judge Yves DeLean scores the fight 30:27
Judge Gregory Folan scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Eh Phuthong!
Eh Phuthong seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.