PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Sonny Barella (ranked 1758 p4p, 1948 weight class) and Ari Katajamaki (ranked 128 p4p, 144 weight class). Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Barella
vs
Katajamaki

167 cm
28
135
11 - 16 - 0

162 cm
27
135
8 - 14 - 2

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Heavy handed

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 11 - 16 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Sonny Barella!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 14 - 2, fighting out of Helsinki, Ari Katajamaki!
The judges for this bout are Colin Fotheringham, Chris Edwards and Andrew Berry.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Barella pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.

Katajamaki closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Katajamaki lands in his opponent's guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Katajamaki accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

Barella looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Barella working a defensive guard here.
Katajamaki scoring with some ground and pound.
Katajamaki must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Katajamaki stops Barella from standing up.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Barella keeping moving, preventing Katajamaki from controlling successfully.

Katajamaki is trying to tuck his arms in to keep them safe but Barella has managed to isolate one of them and has got a loose triangle. Katajamaki is looking to defend but Barella has done well to lock his legs together - this could be big trouble for Katajamaki! Barella pulls down on the head and a little smile comes across his face - he knows he's got it. Yep, Katajamaki taps out and this one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Sonny Barella!
Sonny Barella thanked the fans post fight for their support.