PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Janne Maunonen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Henry Saari (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Maunonen comes to the cage accompanied by NWA - Gangsta Gangsta. Saari comes into a darkened arena with his song building. MACABRE - Serial Killer kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! Well, the cameraman is lingering on a pretty young lady for a bit too long there. Keep your eyes on the fighters buddy or you'll miss the fighter intros!

Maunonen
vs
Saari

199 cm
23
269 lbs
11 - 6 - 0

195 cm
25
280 lbs
7 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Very quick

BJJ Purple Belt
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Katukauppa.com

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 11 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Janne Maunonen!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Henry Saari!
The judges for this bout are Johanna Lukiainen, Tarja Halkonen and Roosa Järviläinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Maunonen throws a low kick but Saari moves out of range easily.
Saari loads up on a big right hand but Maunonen slips the punch.
Maunonen misses with a low kick.

Maunonen rushes Saari and presses him up against the cage.
Saari wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Saari misses with a punch on the inside.
Maunonen lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Saari is trying to break free.
Saari pushes Maunonen back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Saari lands a left hand that snaps the head of Maunonen backwards.

It looks like Janne Maunonen has been cut.
Saari has had enough of the clinch but Maunonen keeps him there for the moment.
Maunonen lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Saari.
Saari blocks an uppercut.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Maunonen.
Maunonen scores with a nice hook to the head.
Saari lands a hook that snaps the head of Maunonen backwards.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Saari blocks a punch to the side of the head.
A right hand to the body from Maunonen.
Saari wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Maunonen tries to throw a body punch but Saari avoids it by throwing Maunonen back against the cage.
A right hook to the body lands for Maunonen.
Maunonen tries a body shot but Saari blocks it.
Saari looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Saari.
Maunonen gets through Saari's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Saari doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Maunonen lands a shoulder strike.
Saari throws a punch but it's blocked by Maunonen.
Saari tries to break free but Maunonen pushes him back against the cage.
Saari working aggressively here.
Maunonen lands a body punch.
Saari looks gassed!
Maunonen is leaning against Saari and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Good body shot from Maunonen.
Maunonen lands with a left to the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A shot in the inside from Maunonen.
Maunonen unloads a knee to the mid-section. Saari lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Maunonen lands a body shot in the clinch.
Maunonen lands a good knee to the midsection. Saari won't want to take too many of those.
Maunonen pushes Saari back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Maunonen lands a nice uppercut.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Maunonen creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Maunonen lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Saari.
Maunonen is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
A short uppercut from Maunonen.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Maunonen throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Maunonen working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Maunonen lands an uppercut.
Maunonen throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Saaris head.
Maunonen working some nice short punches in the clinch.
A right handed body shot lands from Maunonen.
A left hand lands to the body for Maunonen.
Saari fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
A left hand lands to the body for Maunonen.
A nice left hand lands by Maunonen.
Maunonen throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Saaris head.
Maunonen scores with an uppercut up the middle.
A hook to the body from Maunonen.
Maunonen presses Saari against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
A short left from Maunonen.
A short left from Maunonen.
Maunonen stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Saari on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Maunonen lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Maunonen lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Saari tries to break the clinch but Maunonen is controlling the position.
Maunonen lands with a light punch inside.
Saari's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Maunonen lands an elbow that stopped Saari in his tracks for a moment.
Still in the clinch, Maunonen scores with a nice short uppercut.
Nice body punch from Maunonen.
Nice body punch from Maunonen.
A short right from Maunonen on the inside.
Nice body punch from Maunonen - that landed with a thud.
Maunonen lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Maunonen pushes Saari back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Maunonen throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Saaris head.
Maunonen lands a right hand.
Saari has a couple of punches blocked by Maunonen.
Saari takes a shot to the head.
Maunonen makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Maunonen lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Saari's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
A head punch blocked on the inside by Saari.
Maunonen scores with a hook to the body.
A right hook to the body lands for Maunonen.
Maunonen just leaning against Saari, taking a breather.
Maunonen makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
A nice right hand lands inside from Maunonen.
Maunonen blocks an uppercut.
A left hand lands to the body for Maunonen.
Maunonen works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Saari.
Maunonen prevents Saari from breaking the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saari throws a punch but it's blocked by Maunonen.
Maunonen lands with a left to the head.
A shot in the inside from Maunonen.
Maunonen scores with a hook to the body.
Nice body punch from Maunonen - that landed with a thud.
Good body shot from Maunonen.
Maunonen digs a right hand into Saari's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Saari's gas tank.
Maunonen lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Maunonen lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Maunonen takes a shot to the head.
Maunonen lands a nice uppercut.
A right handed body shot lands from Maunonen.
A right hand to the body from Maunonen.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Maunonen.
Nice body punch from Maunonen.
A right hand to the body from Maunonen.
Maunonen throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Maunonen lands a body shot.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A nice glancing elbow lands by Maunonen.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Saari wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Maunonen has him pressed against the cage.
Saari is trying to push Maunonen away but Maunonen has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Maunonen digs a right hand into Saari's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Saari's gas tank.
A body shot lands from Maunonen.
Maunonen lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Maunonen works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Maunonen lands with a right to the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Maunonen lands a body shot in the clinch.
Maunonen pushes Saari back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Maunonen leaning his opponent against the cage.
Maunonen lands a right hand that snaps the head of Saari backwards.
Maunonen throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
A short body shot lands from Maunonen as the two fighters clinch.
Saari has had enough of the clinch but Maunonen keeps him there for the moment.
Maunonen cracks Saari with a nice body shot.
Maunonen scores with a nice hook to the head.
Maunonen scores a nice knee to the body.
Maunonen pushes Saari back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Maunonen digs a right hand underneath Saari's ribcage. Saari let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Maunonen crunches a lovely knee into Saari's ribcage.
Saari tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Saari.
Maunonen works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Come on Maunonen - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Saari tries to break the clinch but Maunonen is controlling the position.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Maunonen lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Saari.
Saari tries to circle away but Maunonen has him pinned against the cage.
Maunonen lands a body shot in the clinch.
Saari throws a punch but it's blocked by Maunonen.
Saari wants to break free but Maunonen has control.

Saari breaks the clinch.
Maunonen throws a nice inside leg kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Janne Maunonen dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Janne Maunonen's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Maunonen moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Saari throws a shot from downtown. Maunonen moves away and avoids it.
Maunonen uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Saari.
Henry Saari seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Maunonen misses with a wild body shot.
Maunonen is looking to clinch but Saari is avoiding it.

Maunonen rushes Saari and presses him up against the cage.

Saari's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Saari throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Maunonen sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Saari fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.

Saari gets tackled into the cage by Maunonen. Maunonen maintains the clinch.
Saari is trying to push Maunonen away but Maunonen has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Maunonen lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Maunonen is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Saari can do to turn this around?
Maunonen doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Saari lands a hook that snaps the head of Maunonen backwards.
Maunonen lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Saari's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Saari lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Maunonen pushes off an throws an elbow but Saari leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
A frustrated look appears on Saari's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Saari lands an uppercut.
Saari is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Maunonen lands a right hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Maunonen tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Janne Maunonen has scored more points in the clinch so far.
A right hand to the body from Maunonen.
Maunonen tries a body shot but Saari blocks it.
Maunonen misses with a punch on the inside.
Maunonen is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Saari is defending well for now.
Maunonen lands a right hand.
Saari is trying to force a seperation but Maunonen has the dominant position.
Maunonen lands a shoulder strike.
Saari has a couple of punches blocked by Maunonen.
A body shot lands from Maunonen.
Saari looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Nice body punch from Maunonen.
Saari throws a punch but it's blocked by Maunonen.
Maunonen lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Saari backwards.
Still in the clinch, Maunonen scores with a nice short uppercut.
Saari tries to break free but Maunonen pushes him back against the cage.
Maunonen lands a body shot.
Maunonen digs a right hand into Saari's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Saari's gas tank.
Maunonen scores with a hook to the body.
Maunonen pushes Saari back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Maunonen gets through Saari's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Maunonen lands a body shot.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Maunonen.
Saari wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Maunonen lands with a left to the head.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Maunonen lands an elbow inside.
Maunonen lands a nice shot to the body.
Maunonen lands a right hand that snaps the head of Saari backwards.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Maunonen working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Maunonen lands a hook to the side of the head.
Maunonen landing knees to the body.
Maunonen trying to control the position but instead, Saari has worked for underhooks and has pushed Maunonen into the cage.
Maunonen lands a nice uppercut.
Maunonen scores with a hook to the body.
Saari tries to break free but Maunonen pushes him back against the cage.
Maunonen stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Maunonen working some nice short punches in the clinch.
A right handed body shot lands from Maunonen.
Maunonen lands a nice uppercut.
Maunonen pushes Saari back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Maunonen stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Maunonen scores with a hook to the body.
Maunonen trying to control the position but instead, Saari has worked for underhooks and has pushed Maunonen into the cage.
Maunonen tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Saari's elbow.
Maunonen misses with a shot to the kidneys.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Saari.
Maunonen tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Saari scores with a shot to the side of Maunonen's head.
A short left from Maunonen.
Maunonen misses with a punch to the body.
Maunonen lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Saari blocks a punch to the side of the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Maunonen tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Saari's elbow.

Saari's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Maunonen bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Saari misses with a straight right.
Maunonen turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
A slapping leg kick lands for Maunonen.
Saari swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Maunonen throws a leg kick which misses Saari's front leg but catches the back leg as Saari tries to avoid it.
Maunonen slips a straight right by Saari.
Henry Saari is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Maunonen slips a jab from Saari.
Saari throws out a loose jab but Maunonen uses good head movement to avoid it.
Nice cross by Saari.
Maunonen wants to land a leg kick but Saari is out of range.
A big right from Saari misses.

Maunonen closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Maunonen throwing shots but Saari is blocking nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Maunonen tries to pass the half guard into mount. Saari knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Saari really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Maunonen. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Maunonen throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Maunonen is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Saari can do anything to dispel that myth.
Maunonen is looking to advance position but Saari won't allow it.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Maunonen trying to control from half guard but Saari is working away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Janne Maunonen dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Janne Maunonen's cut.
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!

Maunonen connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Saari's hands.
Saari moves out of range of the body kick from Maunonen.
Maunonen explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Some wild striking there from Saari.
Saari misses with a straight right.
Maunonen uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Saari.
Saari swinging wildly here.
Maunonen moves out of range of the strikes.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Maunonen dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Saari. That did some damage!
Saari jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Saari looks to throw the jab but Maunonen is out of range.
Maunonen moves out of range of the strikes.
Saari throws a big shot that misses.
Maunonen punishes Saari's body with a nice straight punch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Maunonen steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Saari.
Maunonen throws out a leg kick but Saari moves out of range and Maunonen only half commits.

Maunonen drives through with a takedown into guard.
Maunonen trying to control but Saari is working from the bottom.
Maunonen pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Saari is keeping the position for now.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Maunonen accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Henry Saari has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Maunonen wants to control from the top but Saari keeps moving.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Maunonen accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Maunonen is in close to Saari's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Maunonen throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Saari works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Maunonen working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Maunonen has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Maunonen wants to pass the guard but Saari is keeping the position.
Saari takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saari avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Maunonen looking to sit in guard and control but Saari gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Maunonen working a defensive guard here.
Janne Maunonen is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Maunonen is on top in guard.
Maunonen trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

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.
Saari preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Maunonen tries to free his leg and advance position but Saari is retaining full guard.
Saari keeping moving, preventing Maunonen from controlling successfully.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

And that's the end of the fight!
Janne Maunonen showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Maunonen 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 Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 30:26
Judge Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 30:26
Judge Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight 30:26

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Janne Maunonen!