PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Ilija Vasuta (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Andre Andrado (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Vasuta
vs
Andrado

189 cm
25
186 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

186 cm
18
189 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Big heart

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Tends to cut

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Ilija Vasuta!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Andre Andrado!
The judges for this bout are Ben Zyskovitsi, Anni Minnemäki and Marco Blurström.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Vasuta shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.

Vasuta decides he's had enough of the ground and stands up.

Vasuta shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Andrado's guard.

Vasuta stands and steps away. Andrado gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Vasuta looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Andrado is fending him off so far but Vasuta persists. Nope, Andrado circles away and we're back to standing.
Andrado throws a wild body kick that Vasuta sees coming a mile off.
Nice body kick there by Andrado.
Vasuta is breathing heavily.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Andrado rushes Vasuta and presses him up against the cage.
Andrado throws a knee to the head but misses.
Andrado using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Vasuta has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Andrado with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Andrado tries a knee to the head but Vasuta blocks it.
Andrado tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Andrado tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Vasuta is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Andrado pulls him back up using the underhooks.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Andrado connects with a nasty looking knee right to Vasuta's face.
Andrado is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Andrado tries to land a knee to the head but Vasuta blocks with his arms.
Andrado gets underhooks to prevent Vasuta's takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ilija Vasuta. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Andrado tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Vasuta is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Andrado stops a takedown attempt from Vasuta.
Vasuta tries to score a body lock takedown but Andrado shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Vasuta looking for a takedown.
Andrado looking to throw knees to the head but Vasuta is blocking nicely.
Andrado using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Vasuta has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Andrado with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Andrado is looking to control Vasuta's arms but Vasuta gets an underhook and turns him. Now Andrado has his back to the cage.
Vasuta changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Andrado fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Andrado throws a half hearted mid kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.

Vasuta shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.

Vasuta gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Andrado stuffs the takedown attempt from Vasuta. Vasuta gets slowly back to his feet.
Vasuta moves out of range of the body kick from Andrado.
Vasuta looks for a takedown but Andrado sprawls well.
Andrado throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Ilija Vasuta seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Vasuta feints and as Andrado raises his hands in defense, Vasuta changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Vasuta would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Vasuta wants to stand and escape but instead Andrado has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.

Andrado stands up from guard. Let's bang!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vasuta throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Andrado's waist but Andrado gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Vasuta off to one side.
Andrado misses with a kick to the body.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Vasuta.

Vasuta has had enough of the ground for now and decides to stand.
Andrado misses with a body kick.
Vasuta fails to land the takedown.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Vasuta.
Andrado bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Vasuta shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Andrado sprawls well. Andrado wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Vasuta gets slowly back to his feet.
Nice takedown defense from Andrado. No joy for Vasuta on that attempt.

Vasuta fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Andrado sprawls well initially but Vasuta persists and gets the takedown into half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Andrado wants to get back to his feet.

Vasuta stands, ready to strike. The ref makes him back up and allows Andrado to get to his feet.
Nice takedown defense from Andrado. No joy for Vasuta on that attempt.
Vasuta avoids a kick to the body.
Vasuta throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Andrado's waist but Andrado gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Vasuta off to one side.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Vasuta shoots for a takedown but Andrado saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Vasuta.
Vasuta throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Andrado's waist but Andrado gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Vasuta off to one side.
Vasuta throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Andrado's waist but Andrado gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Vasuta off to one side.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Vasuta.
Andrado leaves Vasuta with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Vasuta tries to score a power double leg takedown but Andrado sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Vasuta somewhat.
Vasuta circles away from the clinch attempt.
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 Ilija Vasuta will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Vasuta fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Andrado throws a body kick that misses.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Vasuta.
Vasuta shoots in but Andrado avoids the takedown attempt easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ilija Vasuta. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Andrado throws a body kick that misses.
Vasuta avoids a kick to the body.
Andrado misses with an attempted mid kick.
Andrado throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Vasuta stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Vasuta wants it to stay on the feet.
Vasuta tries to score a power double leg takedown but Andrado sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Vasuta somewhat.
Vasuta fails with a takedown attempt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Andrado tries to clinch but Vasuta moves out of range.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Vasuta tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Andrado swivels and escapes.
Vasuta closes this distance looking for a takedown but Andrado circles away.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Vasuta tries for a takedown but Andrado sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Andrado throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Vasuta shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Andrado pinned against the cage. Andrado gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Andrado is looking to land body kicks.
Vasuta shoots in and drives through. Andrado sprawls well.
Andrado pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Andrado stuffs the takedown attempt from Vasuta. Vasuta gets slowly back to his feet.
Vasuta shoots for a double leg takedown but Andrado sprawls well. He's pushed Vasuta's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Vasuta fails with the takedown
and Andrado counters with a body kick.
Vasuta dives in and grabs Andrado's left leg, looking for a takedown. Andrado pushes down on Vasuta's head and hops out.
Vasuta moves out of range as Andrado throws a body kick.
Vasuta looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Vasuta will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Ilija Vasuta is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Andrado is looking to land body kicks.
Vasuta shoots in for a takedown but Andrado shows good takedown defense.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Andrado.
Vasuta fails to land the takedown.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Andrado stuffs the takedown.
Vasuta shoots in for a takedown but Andrado shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Vasuta fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

Vasuta shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Andrado is trying to defend but Vasuta finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.

Vasuta stands up from half guard.
Vasuta closes the distance and clinches up with Andrado, looking for a takedown. Vasuta pushes Andrado against the cage but Andrado circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Andrado misses with a kick to the body.
Vasuta fails with a takedown attempt.
Vasuta shoots for a takedown but Andrado saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.

Vasuta drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Vasuta stands and steps away. Andrado gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Vasuta shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Andrado defends it nicely.
Vasuta avoids a kick to the body.
Andrado misses with a body kick.
Vasuta shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Andrado pinned against the cage. Andrado gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Andrado fakes the leg kick and cracks Vasuta in the body.
Andrado throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.

Vasuta scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Vasuta stands up and we're back to a striking position.
Vasuta closes this distance looking for a takedown but Andrado circles away.

Andrado closes the distance and pushes Vasuta back into the cage.
Vasuta is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Andrado gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Andrado throws a knee to the head but misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Vasuta has Andrado pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Andrado manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Vasuta drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Andrado gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Andrado stops a takedown attempt from Vasuta.
Andrado tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Vasuta is working for takedown but Andrado is calmly controlling the position for now.
Andrado tries to land a knee to the head but Vasuta blocks with his arms.
Andrado misses with a knee to the head.
Andrado taking a breather.
Andrado using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Vasuta has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Andrado misses with a knee to the head.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Vasuta goes for a takedown in the clinch but Andrado prevents it.
Andrado throws a knee to the head but misses.
Andrado with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Andrado using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Vasuta has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
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 Ilija Vasuta will probably get the nod.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Andrado keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Vasuta fails with a takedown attempt from distance.

Vasuta tries to keep at a distance but Andrado has taken the fight into the clinch.
Andrado leaning against his opponent.
Andrado with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Andrado throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Vasuta blocks it with crossed arms.
Andrado is pressed up against the cage. Vasuta has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Andrado down to the mat. Andrado avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ilija Vasuta. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Vasuta fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Vasuta on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Andrado misses with a kick to the body.

Andrado gets caught flat footed, as Vasuta shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.

Vasuta decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.

Vasuta looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Vasuta tries to stand but his hand is stuck under Andrado.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Vasuta decides to stand up.
Vasuta shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Andrado defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Vasuta.
Andrado keeps Vasuta at a distance using the push kick.
Vasuta throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Andrado's waist but Andrado gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Vasuta off to one side.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Vasuta.
Andrado misses with a kick to the body.
Vasuta tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Andrado swivels and escapes.
Andrado lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Vasuta shoots in for a takedown but Andrado shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Vasuta shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Andrado sprawls well. Andrado wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Vasuta gets slowly back to his feet.
Andrado displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Vasuta.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Andrado wants to land a leg kick but Vasuta is out of range.

Vasuta decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.

Vasuta decides he's had enough of the ground and stands up.
Vasuta fails to land the takedown.
Vasuta will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Vasuta changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Andrado tries to avoid it but Vasuta manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Andrado to the ground. Andrado escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Vasuta shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Andrado as he jumps to the side.
Andrado scoring well with a low kick there.
Andrado leaves Vasuta with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Vasuta will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Vasuta changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Andrado tries to avoid it but Vasuta manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Andrado to the ground. Andrado escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Andrado throws a nice inside leg kick.
Vasuta shoots in but no luck this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vasuta shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Andrado pinned against the cage. Andrado gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Vasuta shoots in and drives through. Andrado sprawls well.
Andrado displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Vasuta.
Vasuta shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Andrado defends it nicely.
Vasuta shoots in but no luck this time.
Andre Andrado seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Vasuta moves out of range of the body kick.
Vasuta shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Andrado pinned against the cage. Andrado gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Vasuta shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Vasuta fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Both fighters circling a little - Andrado finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Vasuta shoots in looking for a takedown. Andrado tries to sprawl out of it but Vasuta keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Andrado manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.

Vasuta scores with a takedown into Andrado's guard.
Andrado really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Vasuta. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Vasuta has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Andrado is proving hard to escape from.

Vasuta gets to his feet. Andrado looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Andrado pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Vasuta closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.

Vasuta decides to stand up and try his luck on the feet.
Andre Andrado has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Ilija Vasuta is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Vasuta bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.

Vasuta stands up.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ilija Vasuta showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Vasuta, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 30:27
Judge Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 30:27
Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ilija Vasuta!