PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Esko Takanen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Villi Kotobalavu (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kotobalavu has chosen "Another Body Murdered" by Faith No more & Boo-Yaa Tribe as his entrance music. The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.

Takanen
vs
Kotobalavu

175 cm
23
172 lbs
11 - 4 - 0

180 cm
23
182 lbs
9 - 3 - 1

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Very quick

BJJ Purple Belt
Decent boxing
Good gas tank

[MMABR]: TechNutri - Ensuring the quality
[MMABR] SOLID Nutritional - Tokyo's Best!!

Supersize Me
Ka-POW Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 11 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Esko Takanen!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 3 - 1, fighting out of Sydney, Villi Kotobalavu!
The judges for this bout are Skip Squint, Eliza Hachem and Hugh Johnson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Kotobalavu gets the takedown into side control.
Kotobalavu is looking to take a break and control but Takanen is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Kotobalavu working the ground and pound but Takanen is defending the strikes.
Takanen is looking for a sweep.
An elbow from Kotobalavu crashes against the mat.
Takanen sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Takanen gets full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Takanen keeping moving, preventing Kotobalavu from controlling successfully.
Kotobalavu sitting in guard here, content to control.
Takanen utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Kotobalavu is looking to work some ground and pound but Takanen has wrist control.
Kotobalavu wants to pass the guard but Takanen is keeping the position.

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.
Takanen can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Kotobalavu controls the pace.
Kotobalavu wants to pass the guard but Takanen is keeping the position.
Takanen keeping moving, preventing Kotobalavu from controlling successfully.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Kotobalavu misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Esko Takanen seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Kotobalavu fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Takanen sprawls well initially but Kotobalavu persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Takanen is trying to control but can't.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Takanen is staying active underneath Kotobalavu, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Kotobalavu not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Kotobalavu is just content to waste time from the top position. Takanen takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.
Takanen is adopting a defensive guard.
Takanen is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Kotobalavu trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Takanen is looking to stand up but Kotobalavu isn't so interested in that idea.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Kotobalavu shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Takanen sprawls well. Takanen wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Kotobalavu gets slowly back to his feet.
Kotobalavu shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Takanen sprawls well. Takanen wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Kotobalavu gets slowly back to his feet.
Esko Takanen has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Villi Kotobalavu.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Takanen lands a lovely overhand right.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Villi Kotobalavu dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Takanen scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Takanen pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Kotobalavu shoots in for a takedown but Takanen shows good takedown defense.
A big left from Takanen misses.
Takanen lands a really nice looking cross but Kotobalavu seems unphased.
Kotobalavu bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Takanen scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Kotobalavu shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Takanen sprawls well. Takanen wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Kotobalavu gets slowly back to his feet.
Takanen lands a lovely overhand right.
Takanen scores with a jab to the jaw.
Takanen scores with a kick to the body.
Takanen tries a head kick but it misses.
Kotobalavu takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
A combination from Takanen does no damage.
A big right from Takanen misses.
Takanen connects with the punch.
Takanen missing with a left hand there. Kotobalavu was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Takanen throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Kotobalavu on the side of the head.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Takanen checks a leg kick.
Takanen waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Kotobalavu.
Takanen stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Takanen wants it to stay on the feet.
Esko Takanen has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Villi Kotobalavu.
Takanen throws a shot from downtown. Kotobalavu moves away and avoids it.
A jab from Takanen misses.
Decent striking displayed by Takanen there.
Takanen pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
A swing and a miss from Takanen.
Kotobalavu misses with a takedown attempt - Takanen sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Takanen looks to score with a jab to the body but Kotobalavu is just out of range.
Esko Takanen is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Kotobalavu fails with the takedown.
Takanen looks to land a right hand but Kotobalavu moved out of range.
Takanen keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Takanen lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Kotobalavu backs up against the cage.
Kotobalavu is breathing heavily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kotobalavu walks into a jab.
Takanen defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Kotobalavu.
Takanen misses with a body kick.
Takanen looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Kotobalavu closes this distance looking for a takedown but Takanen circles away.
Kotobalavu takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Takanen lands a really nice looking cross but Kotobalavu seems unphased.
Takanen swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Takanen leaves Kotobalavu with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Takanen with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Takanen fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Kotobalavu looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Takanen turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Kotobalavu dodges the punch combination from Takanen.
Kotobalavu slips a jab and a cross from Takanen.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Takanen throws a hook but Kotobalavu blocks it.
Takanen misses with a looping left.
Takanen loads up on a big right hand but Kotobalavu slips the punch.
Some wild striking there from Takanen.
Kotobalavu slips a straight right by Takanen.
Takanen works over Kotobalavu's head and body with a nice combination.
Takanen stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Takanen wants it to stay on the feet.
Kotobalavu has a takedown stuffed.
Takanen scores with a jab.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Takanen.
Takanen lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Kotobalavu circles away quickly and effectively.
Kotobalavu turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Takanen stuns Kotobalavu with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Takanen wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Takanen connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Takanen turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Nice cross by Takanen.
Kotobalavu slips a jab and a cross from Takanen.

Kotobalavu shoots in and bounces Takanen off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Kotobalavu with a flurry of punches that miss.
Takanen is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Takanen has Kotobalavu pulled in close to control his posture.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Esko Takanen dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Good leg kick by Takanen there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Kotobalavu shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Takanen sprawls well. Takanen wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Kotobalavu gets slowly back to his feet.
Takanen misses with a straight left.
Kotobalavu steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Takanen. That one must have hurt.
Kotobalavu tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Takanen swivels and escapes.
Kotobalavu looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Esko Takanen has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Villi Kotobalavu.
Kotobalavu walks into a straight right hand from Takanen.
Kotobalavu slips a jab and a cross from Takanen.
Takanen cracks Kotobalavu with an open hand slap.
Esko Takanen is winning the standup battle so far.
Kotobalavu takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Takanen scores with a jab. Kotobalavu acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Takanen misses with a hook.
A jab from Takanen finds it's way through Kotobalavu's defenses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kotobalavu fails with a takedown attempt.
Kotobalavu takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Good standup being displayed there by Takanen as he connects with a hook.
Takanen throws a lazy right hand but Kotobalavu sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Kotobalavu shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Takanen but Takanen pushes him off and we're back to square one.
A lazy left from Takanen finds it's target.
Kotobalavu takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Takanen lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
A lazy left from Takanen finds it's target.
Takanen with a jab.
Takanen's corner calls for a 1,2 combination and Takanen duly obliges.

It looks like Villi Kotobalavu has been cut.
Takanen cracks Kotobalavu with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Takanen throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Takanen misses with an uppercut.
Kotobalavu takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Takanen scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
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!
Takanen with a jab.
Kotobalavu shoots in but Takanen avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Takanen moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Takanen lands with an uppercut that bounces Kotobalavu off the cage and back into rage.
Kotobalavu takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Takanen throws a head kick that Kotobalavu semi-blocks.
Takanen connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Kotobalavu momentarily.
Takanen scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Kotobalavu gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Takanen scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Takanen scores with a jab to the jaw.
Kotobalavu displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Takanen throws out the jab.
Kotobalavu has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Kotobalavu there as he acknowledges the shot.
Kotobalavu shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Takanen but Takanen pushes him off and we're back to square one.
A left lands for Takanen.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kotobalavu shoots in for a double leg but Takanen sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Kotobalavu is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Kotobalavu takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Donk. Takanen catches Kotobalavu right on the button with a cross.
Takanen misses with the combination.
Takanen throws a looping overhand right but Kotobalavu ducks down to avoid it.
Nice shot lands for Takanen.
Kotobalavu tries to score a power double leg takedown but Takanen sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Kotobalavu somewhat.
Takanen's corner calls for a 1-2. Takanen obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
A slapping leg kick lands for Takanen.
Takanen lands a jab to the head.
Takanen lands a lovely overhand right.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Takanen is looking to slow Kotobalavu down with leg kicks.
Good standup being displayed there by Takanen as he connects with a hook.
Takanen smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Kotobalavu takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Kotobalavu has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Kotobalavu moves out of range of the strikes.
Kotobalavu takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Takanen dips to his left and cracks Kotobalavu with an uppercut!
Takanen misses with a hook.
Takanen misses with a straight right.
Takanen connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Kotobalavu walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Takanen scores with a jab to the jaw.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kotobalavu avoids a kick to the body.
A looping hook to the body misses from Takanen. Kotobalavu does a little dance to reset his feet.
The fighters circling - Takanen throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Kotobalavu shoots in and drives through. Takanen sprawls well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Esko Takanen clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Villi Kotobalavu's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Takanen misses with a leg kick.

Takanen gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Takanen keeping moving, preventing Kotobalavu from controlling successfully.
Takanen being controlled here, momentarily.
Takanen working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Kotobalavu.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kotobalavu controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Kotobalavu trying to control but Takanen is working from the bottom.
Takanen being controlled here, momentarily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Kotobalavu looking to sit in guard and control but Takanen gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Takanen working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Takanen keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Kotobalavu's head.
Kotobalavu preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Takanen is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Kotobalavu can do to turn this around?
Takanen in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Takanen is looking to stand up but Kotobalavu won't let him.
Kotobalavu trying to keep a closed guard but Takanen is proving a slippery customer.
Kotobalavu keeping moving, preventing Takanen from controlling successfully.
Kotobalavu bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Takanen's guard.
Kotobalavu trying to control but Takanen is working from the bottom.
Takanen looking to hit a scissor sweep but Kotobalavu is one step ahead there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Kotobalavu is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Takanen wants to sweep but no luck.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Kotobalavu wants to control from the top but Takanen keeps moving.
Kotobalavu lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Villi Kotobalavu dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on Villi Kotobalavu's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. And we move into the final round!

Kotobalavu tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Takanen swivels and escapes.
Kotobalavu fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Takanen slaps away a takedown attempt from Kotobalavu, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Esko Takanen has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Villi Kotobalavu.
Takanen pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Kotobalavu's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Takanen misses with a double jab.
Kotobalavu fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Kotobalavu walks into a jab.
Kotobalavu is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.

Kotobalavu gets the takedown into side control.
Takanen is trying to buck Kotobalavu off.
Takanen is not content to let Kotobalavu control the position.
Kotobalavu is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?

That's one minute gone in the round.
You can see the frustration on Takanen's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Kotobalavu misses with the ground and pound.
Kotobalavu trying to control the position but Takanen is working away.

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.
Takanen looking for a sweep but Kotobalavu has passed into full mount! Oh no!
Kotobalavu sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
Takanen tries to reverse the position but Kotobalavu maintains control.
Kotobalavu unloads with some shots from mount but Takanen bucks and avoids them well.
Takanen's corner are shouting for him to stand up but that's bad cornering - how is he meant to stand up when he's mounted? He should be looking to improve his position on the ground before trying to stand back up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kotobalavu trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Takanen is looking to improve his position but Kotobalavu isn't that keen on the idea.
Takanen is trying to stand.
Kotobalavu prevents Takanen from getting the reversal.
Kotobalavu controlling the pace for now.

That's four 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.
Kotobalavu tries to control but Takanen wriggling away.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Kotobalavu throws some wild stikes that Takanen manages to avoid easily.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Villi Kotobalavu.
I think Kotobalavu 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Skip Squint scores the fight 47:47
Judge Eliza Hachem scores the fight 47:47
Judge Hugh Johnson scores the fight 47:47

The fight is ruled a draw!
Esko Takanen retains his title. It's always disappointing when a championship fight ends as a draw but that's what happens when you leave the fight in the judges hands!