PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Thor Axelsson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kari Taalasmaa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Thor Axelsson has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Axelsson
vs
Taalasmaa

180 cm
27
184 lbs
5 - 3 - 0

155 cm
26
190 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

Good takedowns
Brawler
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Counter striker
Powerful

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 5 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Thor Axelsson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Kari Taalasmaa!
The judges for this bout are Ben Zyskovitsi, Marco Blurström and Tarja Halkonen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Axelsson tries for a takedown but Taalasmaa circles away easily
and Taalasmaa counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Axelsson displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Taalasmaa throws out the jab.
Axelsson tries for a takedown but Taalasmaa circles away easily
and Taalasmaa counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Taalasmaa throws a jab but it's blocked by Axelsson.
Axelsson doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Taalasmaa counters with a lovely straight right hand!
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Thor Axelsson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Axelsson with a poor takedown

and Taalasmaa counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Axelsson's guard now.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Axelsson being controlled here, momentarily.

Axelsson has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Taalasmaa can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Taalasmaa seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.

That's one minute gone in the round.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Kari Taalasmaa was stalling too much, according to the referee.

Axelsson has taken the fight to the clinch.
Taalasmaa is trying to force a seperation but Axelsson has the dominant position.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Axelsson just misses with a elbow thrown towards Taalasmaa's brow.
Axelsson prevents a body shot from Taalasmaa.
Taalasmaa is trying to break the clinch but Axelsson has him pressed against the cage.
Taalasmaa wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Axelsson wants a takedown.
Taalasmaa prevents a takedown attempt there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Taalasmaa has a couple of punches blocked by Axelsson.
Taalasmaa prevents the takedown attempt.
Axelsson blocking some punches.
Taalasmaa can't break the clinch.
Axelsson lands an elbow just above Taalasmaa 's eye.
Taalasmaa struggles to land a body shot inside as Axelsson controls his hands.

Taalasmaa lands a nice trip takedown into half guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Taalasmaa with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Taalasmaa sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Axelsson defending well though.
Taalasmaa controlling the action here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Axelsson is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Kari Taalasmaa was stalling too much, according to the referee.
Axelsson shoots and misses
and Taalasmaa counters with a two punch combo.
Axelsson fails with the takedown
and Taalasmaa counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Axelsson has his takedown stuffed
and Taalasmaa counters with a stiff right hand.
Taalasmaa scores with a jab.
Axelsson gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Taalasmaa counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Axelsson is breathing heavily.
Axelsson tries for a takedown but Taalasmaa circles away easily
and Taalasmaa counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Axelsson takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Axelsson with a poor takedown
and Taalasmaa counters with a left to the body.
Axelsson has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Taalasmaa finds it's way round the side to connect with Axelsson's head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Taalasmaa closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Axelsson is working for takedown but Taalasmaa is calmly controlling the position for now.
Taalasmaa is trying to break the clinch but Axelsson has him pressed against the cage.
Taalasmaa working hard to break the clinch.

Taalasmaa turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control!
Taalasmaa controls the position from side control.

The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Taalasmaa decides to take the fight back to the feet.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Taalasmaa cracks Axelsson with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Axelsson throws a sloppy head kick and Taalasmaa moves out of range easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kari Taalasmaa dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Taalasmaa throws an overhand right that lands on Axelsson's shoulder, as Axelsson tries to avoid the shot.
Thor Axelsson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Axelsson takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Taalasmaa takes a swing at Axelsson's ribcage but misses.
Taalasmaa misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Axelsson.
Taalasmaa throws a shot from downtown. Axelsson moves away and avoids it.
Axelsson misses with a takedown attempt
and Taalasmaa counters with a lovely straight right hand!

Taalasmaa clinches up against the cage.
Taalasmaa wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Axelsson misses with a knee to the head.
Taalasmaa swings wildly with an uppercut but Axelsson uses good head movement to avoid it.
Taalasmaa trying to stall but Axelsson improves his position.
Taalasmaa wants to break the clinch but can't.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Axelsson has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Taalasmaa avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Axelsson has Taalasmaa pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Taalasmaa manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Thor Axelsson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Taalasmaa is looking to control Axelsson's arms but Axelsson gets an underhook and turns him. Now Taalasmaa has his back to the cage.
Taalasmaa gets underhooks to prevent Axelsson's takedown attempt.
Taalasmaa wants to break the clinch but can't.
Taalasmaa taking a breather.
Axelsson is looking to control Taalasmaa's arms but Taalasmaa gets an underhook and turns him. Now Axelsson has his back to the cage.
Taalasmaa is trying to force a seperation but Axelsson has the dominant position.
Axelsson is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Taalasmaa gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Axelsson tries for a takedown. No joy.
Taalasmaa is looking to control Axelsson's arms but Axelsson gets an underhook and turns him. Now Taalasmaa has his back to the cage.
Axelsson is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Taalasmaa scores with a hook to the body.
Axelsson tries for a takedown. No joy.
Taalasmaa trying to stall but Axelsson improves his position.
Taalasmaa tries a body shot but Axelsson blocks it.
Taalasmaa working hard to break the clinch.
Taalasmaa looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Taalasmaa misses with a hook from the clinch.
Axelsson goes for a takedown in the clinch but Taalasmaa prevents it.
Taalasmaa tries to circle away but Axelsson has him pinned against the cage.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Axelsson has Taalasmaa pressed against the cage, preventing Taalasmaa from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Taalasmaa wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Axelsson goes for a takedown attempt but Taalasmaa pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Taalasmaa connects with a jab.
Thor Axelsson is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Axelsson takes one to the side of the head.
A swing and a miss from Taalasmaa.
Taalasmaa throws the left hand but Axelsson avoids the punch easily.
Axelsson slips under a jab from Taalasmaa.
Taalasmaa misses with a looping right.
Taalasmaa throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Axelsson sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Axelsson tries to clinch up but Taalasmaa circles away and keeps his distance.
Axelsson moves in looking to clinch but Taalasmaa pushes him off.
Axelsson pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Axelsson takes one on the chin but seems OK.
A jab lands there for Taalasmaa.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Taalasmaa wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Axelsson shoots and misses
and Taalasmaa counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Taalasmaa tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Axelsson was well out of range. Poor timing from Taalasmaa.
Taalasmaa misses with an uppercut. Axelsson saw that one coming.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Taalasmaa looks to score with a jab to the body but Axelsson is just out of range.
Axelsson takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Axelsson has his takedown stuffed
and Taalasmaa counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Axelsson on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Taalasmaa punishes Axelsson's body with a nice straight punch.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Axelsson moves in looking to clinch but Taalasmaa pushes him off.
Taalasmaa connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Taalasmaa scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kari Taalasmaa showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!

Axelsson takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
This is turning into a torrid day at the office for Axelsson. He's trying desperately to land a takedown but he's failing miserably and getting slapped silly on the feet to compound his misery.
Axelsson with a poor takedown
letting Taalasmaa counter with a right hand.
Axelsson gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Taalasmaa.
Axelsson has his takedown stuffed
and Taalasmaa counters with a stiff right hand.
Axelsson doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Taalasmaa counters with a straight right hand.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Thor Axelsson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Taalasmaa lands a jab to Axelsson's midsection.
Taalasmaa ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Taalasmaa scores with the left hand. Axelsson knows he should have avoided that one.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Axelsson on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Axelsson looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Taalasmaa lands a jab to the head.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Taalasmaa shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Taalasmaa was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Taalasmaa is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Axelsson can't stay in a position like this for much longer.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Taalasmaa controlling his opponent.
Taalasmaa lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
Taalasmaa landing punches.
BOOM! Taalasmaa connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Taalasmaa controlling the pace for now.
Let's hope that Taalasmaa has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.
Axelsson is trying to escape the mount.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Taalasmaa really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Axelsson. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Taalasmaa takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Taalasmaa has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Axelsson tries to hold on but Taalasmaa pushes him away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Taalasmaa controlling the position easily from mount.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Kari Taalasmaa.

Taalasmaa drives through with a takedown into Axelsson's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Axelsson is trying to control the position but Taalasmaa postures up.
Axelsson being controlled here, momentarily.
Axelsson will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Taalasmaa postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Taalasmaa seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Kari Taalasmaa.
Axelsson fails with the takedown
and Taalasmaa counters with a lovely shot to the body.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Taalasmaa smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Thor Axelsson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Kari Taalasmaa is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Axelsson takes one to the side of the head.

And that's the end of the fight!
Kari Taalasmaa comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Taalasmaa has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 27:30
Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight 27:30
Judge Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Kari Taalasmaa!
A determined Kari Taalasmaa didn't want to dwell on this fight in his post fight interview. Instead he was more keen to state he wants a title shot. Let's see if he gets it!