PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Joe Average (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jussi Apila (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). I can't wait for this one - let's get the fighter introductions out of the way and get this one started!

Average
vs
Apila

170 cm
24
151 lbs
9 - 3 - 0

182 cm
24
156 lbs
6 - 1 - 1

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Very strong

Powerful takedowns
Decent boxing
Heavy handed

[MMABR]BEST NUTRITION,no doping

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Joe Average!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 1 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Jussi Apila!
The judges for this bout are Tarja Halkonen, Roosa Järviläinen and Johanna Lukiainen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Apila on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Average. Average obviously looking to wear him down.
Joe Average seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Average connects with a looping right hand.
Average misses with a series of wild punches.
Apila lands a slapping body shot.
Apila moves out of range of the body kick.
Apila misses with a leg kick
and Average makes the exchange count by landing a cracking kick to the body. Apila really felt that one!
Apila on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Average loads up on a big right hand but Apila slips the punch.
Apila avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Apila has his takedown stuffed

and Average decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Apila's guard.
Average passes Apila's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Apila is trying to control but can't.
Average tries to stand and escape but Apila is controlling the position.
Average sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Apila defending well though.
Average is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
Apila working to try and regain half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Average goes for an armbar but Apila turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from Apila.
Average is looking to stand up but Apila isn't so interested in that idea.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Average keeping full guard, as Apila tries to pass.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Apila prevents Average from getting back to his feet.
Apila scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Average is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Apila with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Average not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Average is on top in guard.
Average pushes down on Apila's leg and manages to get into half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Average is working for a submission of some sort.
Average is just content to waste time from the top position. Apila takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.

Average postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Apila is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Average, into his guard.
Apila throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Average works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Apila working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Average is looking to stand up but Apila isn't so interested in that idea.
Apila missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Average lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Apila!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Average jumps to the side looking to secure the arm triangle…. Ooooh, that looks tight… Apila is gargling but he's managed to escape! Nice work there by Apila and Average has given up the dominant position trying to land that submission.

Average wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Apila, who protects the arm well.
Apila manages to get back to half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Average is trying to work for a kimura but Apila is defending well.
Average wants to control but Apila is keeping him busy.
Apila moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Average throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Apila works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

Average is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Apila is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Apila has escaped and now he's on top!

Average uses the cage to get back to his feet.
Apila avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Joe Average will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Apila avoids a punch combination nicely.
Apila slips under a jab from Average.
Apila tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.

Average fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Apila sprawls well initially but Average persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Apila gets full guard.
Average stands and throws Apila's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Average throwing shots but missing, from side control.
Apila sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Average wants to free his trapped foot but Apila is holding on for dear life with his legs.

Average is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Apila sees it coming and defends easily.
Average thows a big elbow that misses, also allowing Apila to regain full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Average won't allow Apila to sweep him here.
Apila is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Average stopping the sweep attempt from Apila.
Apila preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

Average has gone for a leg lock! Apila slips out almost immediately though and dives into Average's guard.
Apila with a flurry of punches that miss.
Average has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Apila postures up and lands a big shot to Average's brow.

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.

Average kicks Apila off and gets to his feet.
Average throws a right hand that Apila ducks under and follows up with a left that Apila also avoids with ease.
Apila misses the shot to the body.
Apila moves out of range of the strikes.
Average is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Average keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Apila.
Apila keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Apila looks to land a combination. Average sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.

It looks like Joe Average has been cut.
Average throws a nice looking combination but Apila bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Apila doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Average counters with a body kick that stops Apila in his tracks momentarily.
Apila attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Apila takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Apila is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Average.
Average scores with a sloppy right hand. Apila should have avoided that one.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Average lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.

Average closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Apila to the mat! Apila manages to get full guard.
Apila manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Average manages to get himself to full guard.

Average uses the cage to get back to his feet.
Average lands a head shot.
Average throws a body punch but Apila moves out of range.
A jab from Average misses.
Apila with a jab.
Apila lands with a shot to the body.
Average walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Apila avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Average is looking to slow Apila down with leg kicks.
Apila throws an overhand right that lands on Average's shoulder, as Average tries to avoid the shot.
Average scores with a leg kick.
Average tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Apila connects with a single shot there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Apila misses the jab.
Apila fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Apila is breathing heavily.
Apila needs to keep his hands up - Average had a free shot at his head there.
Apila looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Average stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Apila throws a series of punches but Average avoids them all with ease.
Average throws a big shot that misses.
Apila uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Average.
Average fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Average throws a big shot that misses.
Average doesn't manage to clinch there - Apila circles away.
Average misses with a straight left.
Apila chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Average can pounce on him.
Average dodges the punch combination from Apila.
Average pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Average sizes up Apila with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Apila takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Average lands a jab.
Average lands with an overhand left.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Joe Average will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Joe Average's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

A looping hook to the body misses from Average. Apila does a little dance to reset his feet.
Average throws a hook to the side of Apila's head but Apila sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Average connects with a jab.
Apila misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Apila shoots for a takedown but Average saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Apila fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Joe Average has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jussi Apila.
Average slips a jab and a cross from Apila.

Average closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Apila to the mat! Apila manages to get full guard.
Average scoring with punches to the head and body.
Average stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Apila swivels though and keeps the full guard.

Average thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

Average drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Average jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Apila takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Average is looking to work some ground and pound but Apila has wrist control.
Average postures up in Apila's guard and throws a big left but Apila blocks it.
Apila preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Average is working Apila over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Apila seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Average controls the pace of the fight for a moment.

Average postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Apila is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Average, into his guard.
Apila trying to control but Average is working from the bottom.

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.
Apila prevents Average from getting back to his feet.
Average might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Apila stands and throws Average's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Joe Average overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Average is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.
Apila trying to control the position but Average is working away.
Average pushes Apila away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Apila gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.
Average is not in a great position here, taking some shots.
Average wants to get back to his feet but Apila drags him back down.
Apila works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.
Apila is chipping away with strikes.
Average manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Average is thwarting Apila's attempts to control the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Apila is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.
Average wants to pass the guard but Apila is defending well.
Average throwing shots but Apila is blocking nicely.

Average seems to be looking for submissions.

Average is working for a kimura but Apila is defending it quite comfortably.
Apila is pressing down on Average's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.

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.
Apila tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Average is looking to work some ground and pound but Apila has wrist control.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Good exchange - Average coming out on top.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Average misses with the combination.
Average looks to score with a jab to the body but Apila is just out of range.
Average keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Apila takes one on the button.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Joe Average did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The cut man is working on Joe Average's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

A low kick from Apila is predictable there
enabling Average to counter with a crisp jab.
Average connects with a single shot there.
Average walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Jab from Average.
Apila blocks a jab.
Average throws out a loose jab but Apila uses good head movement to avoid it.
Average ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Average displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Apila throws out the jab.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Average lands a shot to the body.
Average looking for a takedown.
Average can't get the takedown.
Average is trying to force a seperation but Apila has the dominant position.
Apila just leaning against Average, taking a breather.
Average lands with a short shot to the head.
Average misses with an elbow over the top.
Average tries a body shot but Apila blocks it.
Apila has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Average avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Apila blocks a punch to the side of the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Average goes for a takedown attempt but Apila pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Joe Average. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Apila swinging wildly here.
Apila is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Apila throws a big shot that misses.
Apila misses with a body shot.
Apila throws a jab but it's blocked by Average.
Apila has a takedown stuffed.
Average connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Apila throws a right and a left that both miss.
A lazy left from Average finds it's target.
Apila on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Average. Average obviously looking to wear him down.
The fighters circling - Apila throws out the jab but it was never going to land.

Average drives through with a takedown into guard.
Average scoring with some ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Average wants to pass the guard but Apila is keeping the position.
Average trying to control the position from guard on top but Apila is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Average looking to pass the guard.
Apila keeping moving, preventing Average from controlling successfully.

Average drops back looking for a leg! Apila is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Apila manages to kick Average off! Average jumps back into Apila's guard.
Apila is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Average thows a big elbow that misses.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Apila ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Average moves away.
Apila throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Average makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Apila misses with a two punch combination.
Apila on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Average takes a swing at Apila's ribcage but misses.
Apila throws a nice outside leg kick.
Apila cracks Average with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Average connects with a right hand. Apila shakes it off.
Apila misses with a few strikes there.
Average doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.

Average shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Average showed some decent athleticism there.
Average wants to pass to mount but Apila is defending the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Average trying to control from half guard but Apila is working away.
Apila wants to improve his position but Average is controlling well.
Average seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Apila does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Average throwing shots but Apila is blocking nicely.

Average seems to be looking for submissions.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Joe Average had his way with Jussi Apila in that round.
The cut man is working on Joe Average's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

A low kick from Average is predictable there
and Apila makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Average works Apila's body with a nice hook.
Apila misses with a body shot.
A left lands for Average.
Average lands with a straight right. Apila didn't see that one coming.
Average throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Apila takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Average scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Average is looking to clinch but Apila is avoiding it.
Apila throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Apila throws a hook but Average avoids it easily.
Good standup being displayed there by Average as he connects with a hook.
Apila ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Average moves away.
Average throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Apila is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Apila throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Average connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Apila momentarily.

Average scores a takedown into full mount!
Poor strikes thrown by Average there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!

That's one minute gone in the round.

Average moves into side control, trying to work for a kimura. That looks painful! Will he finish!!?? No, Apila has worked his arm free - good work by Apila!
The ground and pound from Average seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
Sloppy strikes there by Average.
You can see the frustration on Apila's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Both fighters take a look at the clock.
Average working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
A control attempt from Apila but he's now mounted!
Average can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Apila is looking to escape.
Average throwing sloppy strikes, which aren't doing any damage.
Average throwing sloppy strikes, which aren't doing any damage.

Average goes for an armbar but Apila turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from Apila.
Apila trying to control but Average is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Average wants to sweep but no luck.
Apila trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Apila prevents Average from getting back to his feet.
Apila is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Average is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Apila throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Apila working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
A punch lands to the side of Average 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Apila takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
A jab lands there for Average.
Average is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Apila.
Apila displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Average throws out the jab.
Apila lands a body shot.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Average.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Average keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Jussi Apila seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Average connects with the punch.
Average tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Average fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Apila.
Average fakes the leg kick and cracks Apila in the body.
Apila's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Nice defenses there by Average.
Apila takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Average stalks Apila and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Apila's face. Apila staggers backwards, shaken.
Average looks to score with a jab to the body but Apila is just out of range.
A nice inside leg kick there by Average. That's going to slow Apila down.
Average lunges at Apila with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Apila's hand.
Average swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Apila checks a low kick from Average.
Average uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Apila.
Average throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Apila swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Average.
Average thows a body shot but no joy.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Jussi Apila.
I think Average has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Tarja Halkonen scores the fight for Joe Average!
Judge Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight for Joe Average!
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight for Joe Average!

Joe Average wins by unanimous decision!
Joe Average retains his featherweight title!