PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Striker Grappling (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Esko Takanen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Grappling
vs
Takanen

180 cm
29
175 lbs
26 - 9 - 1

175 cm
32
179 lbs
30 - 14 - 2

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Sharon Needles Nutrition (Donation givebacks PROMO

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 26 - 9 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Striker Grappling!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 30 - 14 - 2, fighting out of Las Vegas, Esko Takanen!
The judges for this bout are Cecil Peabody, Daniel Franklin and George Francis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Takanen avoids a kick to the body.
Grappling scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
Takanen thows a leg kick but Grappling checks it
enabling Grappling to counter with a crisp jab.
A telegraphed right hand from Takanen misses the target.
Grappling tries to work over Takanen's front leg with a kick but Takanen checks it.
Grappling throws a body kick that misses.
Grappling staying out of range there.
Grappling is looking to chop away at Takanen's legs.
Grappling fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Takanen checks it well.
Nice defenses there by Grappling.
Takanen looks to land a body kick but Grappling moved away.
Takanen throws a leg kick that is checked
and Grappling counters with an outside leg kick.
A solid leg kick lands there for Takanen.
Grappling feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Takanen's calf.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Grappling takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Takanen blocks a low kick nicely.
Takanen throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Grappling stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
That kick from Takanen tenderised Grappling's leg. Grappling is trying to keep his angry face on.
Grappling fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Takanen has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Grappling slips a straight right by Takanen.
Grappling gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Takanen looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Takanen looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Takanen throws a poor cross that misses
and Grappling counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Grappling moves out of range of the leg kick from Takanen.
Takanen throws out a token jab with nothing on it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Grappling avoids the head kick by Takanen.
Grappling ducks under a wild hook from Takanen.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Takanen misses with a right hand
and Grappling counters with a nice low kick that buckles Takanen's knee momentarily.
Takanen lets loose with a powerful body kick. Grappling will feel that in the morning.
Takanen throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Takanen looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Takanen pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Takanen tries to score with a low kick but Grappling moves his leg out of the way.
Grappling throws a leg kick but Takanen sees it coming and moves out of range.
Esko Takanen seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Takanen works over Grappling's head and body with a nice combination.
Takanen takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Grappling lands a nice shot to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Grappling motions for Takanen to come forward. Grappling throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Grappling throws a hook but Takanen avoids it easily.
Takanen tests Grappling's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Grappling tries a low kick but Takanen avoids it.
Takanen ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Grappling lands a leg kick that knocks Takanen off balance momentarily.
Grappling tried to score with a low kick but Takanen checks it.

Takanen clinches with his opponent.

Grappling breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Takanen cracks Grappling with a good jab.
A head kick by Takanen misses
and Grappling counters with a good, hard body kick but Takanen shrugs it off.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Grappling scores with a push kick.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Grappling connects with an inside leg kick.
Takanen keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Takanen throws a leg kick but Grappling sees it coming and moves out of range.
Grappling lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Takanen avoids the body shot from Grappling.
A head kick by Takanen misses
and Grappling counters with a nice low kick that buckles Takanen's knee momentarily.
Takanen throws a leg kick but Grappling sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Takanen blocks a head kick by Grappling.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Grappling misses with a low kick as Takanen jumps back.
Takanen throws a lazy body kick
and Grappling counters with an outside leg kick.
Takanen connects with a jab.
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 Striker Grappling will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action!

The fighters circling - Takanen throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
A left lands for Takanen.
Grappling jabs at Takanen's body.
Grappling tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Takanen is able to avoid easily.
Grappling avoids the head kick by Takanen.
Takanen looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Grappling has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Grappling there as he acknowledges the shot.
Takanen throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Grappling counters with a big head kick but Takanen shrugs it off.
Grappling throws a wild body kick that Takanen sees coming a mile off.
Takanen lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Takanen tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Grappling was well out of range. Poor timing from Takanen.
Grappling misses with a low kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Grappling scores with a hook to the body. Takanen takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Takanen misses with a two punch combination.
Grappling scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Takanen throws a sloppy head kick and Grappling moves out of range easily.
Good leg kick by Takanen there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Takanen misses with a jab to the body
and Grappling counters with a big head kick but Takanen shrugs it off.
Takanen does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Grappling throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Grappling with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Grappling uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Takanen.
Grappling blocks a low kick nicely.
Grappling turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Grappling lands a jab to the nose.
Grappling avoids the head kick by Takanen.
Takanen misses with a right hand
and Grappling connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Grappling takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Grappling lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Takanen tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Grappling counters with a nice kick to the body.
Grappling misses with a head kick.
Grappling throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Takanen shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Grappling eats them both and turns towards Takanen to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Grappling scores with a kick to the midsection.
Takanen throws a hook but Grappling blocks it.
Grappling takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.

Takanen has closed the distance and engaged Grappling in a clinch.
Takanen stalling in the clinch.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Grappling creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Takanen tries to land knees in the clinch but Grappling avoids the damage to the body.
Grappling lands a body punch.
Grappling scores with a hook to the body.
Takanen is breathing heavily.
Grappling lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Takanen is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
A shot in the inside from Grappling.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A right handed body shot lands from Grappling.
Takanen with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Grappling pushes Takanen back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Grappling misses with a hook to the ribs.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Grappling.
Grappling lands a right hand.
Grappling misses with a hook to the ribs.
Grappling struggles to land a body shot inside as Takanen controls his hands.
Takanen trying to stall but Grappling improves his position.
Grappling lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Takanen is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Takanen blocks a punch to the side of the head.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Takanen.
Grappling lands with a light punch inside.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Takanen swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Grappling lands a hook that snaps the head of Takanen backwards.
Grappling has a couple of punches blocked by Takanen.
Takanen swings away with an uppercut that misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Striker Grappling dominated that second round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Takanen misses with a low kick.
Takanen walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Grappling checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Grappling has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Takanen finds it's way round the side to connect with Grappling's head.
Takanen throws a head kick that misses.
Grappling avoids the head kick by Takanen.
Takanen misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Grappling.
Grappling scores with a push kick.
Grappling is looking to slow Takanen down with leg kicks.
Grappling slips a straight right by Takanen.
Takanen takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Grappling throws a leg kick but Takanen sees it coming and moves out of range.
Takanen misses with a leg kick
enabling Grappling to counter with a crisp jab.
Takanen scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!

That's one minute gone in the round.
A head kick by Grappling misses
and Takanen counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Grappling dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Takanen. That did some damage!
Takanen throws a leg kick that is checked
and Grappling counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Striker Grappling is winning the standup battle so far.
Some bone on bone action there as Takanen checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
That kick from Takanen tenderised Grappling's leg. Grappling is trying to keep his angry face on.
Grappling misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Grappling misses with an attempted mid kick.
Takanen on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Grappling tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Grappling cracks Takanen with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Grappling checks a leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Takanen misses with a series of wild punches.

Takanen has Grappling up against the cage in a clinch.

Takanen pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Grappling looks to land a body kick but Takanen moved away.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Takanen forces Grappling back against the cage and clinches.
Takanen can't find room to land a body shot as Grappling controls the action.
Grappling lands a left hand that snaps the head of Takanen backwards.
Grappling has a couple of punches blocked by Takanen.
Takanen tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Grappling's elbow.
A short uppercut from Grappling.
Grappling lands with a short shot to the head.

Grappling breaks from the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The fight stays on the outside here - Takanen looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Grappling connects with a high kick.
Grappling slips a jab and a cross from Takanen.
Grappling checks the leg kick.
Takanen takes a shot right to the bread basket.
A slapping leg kick lands for Grappling.
Grappling feints and then cracks Takanen's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Takanen down.
Grappling goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Grappling ducks under a wild hook from Takanen.
Grappling lands with a good body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Takanen throws a body kick despite being completely out of range
and Grappling counters with a thumping low kick.
Grappling scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Grappling turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Grappling throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Takanen misses with a few strikes there.
Grappling cracks the inside of Takanen's front leg.
Takanen tries to land a leg kick but Grappling saw it coming and moves away.
Takanen attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Takanen takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Takanen misses with a left hand
and Grappling counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Grappling uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Takanen.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Striker Grappling clearly takes that round.
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 throws an off balance right hand
and Grappling finishes the little exchange by landing a big kick to the body.
Grappling fakes the leg kick and cracks Takanen in the body.
Grappling moves away from the strike by Takanen.
Takanen throws the left hand but Grappling avoids the punch easily.
Grappling lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Grappling throws a nice inside leg kick.
Takanen throws a push kick but Grappling slaps the foot to one side.
Grappling tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Takanen thumps Grappling with a low kick.
A slapping leg kick lands for Grappling.
Grappling thumps Takanen with a low kick.
Takanen misses with a low kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Takanen misses with a leg kick.
Takanen misses with a looping right.
Takanen throws a leg kick that misses.
Grappling lands a leg kick that knocks Takanen off balance momentarily.
Grappling scores with a body shot.
Takanen is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Takanen throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Grappling sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Takanen takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Grappling connects with an inside leg kick.
Good leg kick by Grappling there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Grappling throws a leg kick
and Takanen counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Takanen throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Grappling's head.
Takanen has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Grappling.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Grappling throws a nice outside leg kick.
Takanen tried to score with a low kick but Grappling checks it.
Grappling scores with a head kick.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Grappling tries a head kick but it misses.
Grappling fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Takanen has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
A jab from Takanen misses.
Grappling throws a push kick but Takanen slaps the foot to one side.
Grappling moves out of range as Takanen throws a body kick.
A low kick from Takanen is predictable there
and Grappling counters with a head kick. That will keep Takanen thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!
Grappling moves out of range as Takanen strikes.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Grappling moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Takanen throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Grappling counters with a head kick.
Grappling darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Takanen's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
A slow jab from Takanen misses its intended target.
Takanen tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Takanen scores with a decent looking hook.
Some bone on bone action there as Grappling checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Grappling misses with a body shot.
Grappling scores with a head kick. Takanen tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Nice uppercut lands for Takanen. That snapped Grappling's head back.
A low kick from Grappling is predictable there
and Takanen counters with a nice uppercut.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Takanen throws an overhand right that lands on Grappling's shoulder, as Grappling tries to avoid the shot.
Grappling tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
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!
Grappling misses with a leg kick.
Takanen misses with a straight right.
Takanen stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Grappling.
Takanen takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Grappling chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Takanen can pounce on him.
Grappling uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Takanen.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Grappling is looking to chop away at Takanen's legs.
Grappling swats away the attempt to clinch by Takanen.
Grappling connects with a leg kick. Takanen looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Striker Grappling had his way with Esko Takanen in that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Takanen throws a poor cross that misses
and Grappling counters with a nice leg kick.
Takanen throws a right and a left that Grappling avoids nicely.
A low kick from Takanen misses
and Takanen takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Takanen has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Grappling finds it's way round the side to connect with Takanen's head.
Grappling lands a two punch combo.
Grappling bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Takanen moves forwards but Grappling connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Grappling slips under a jab from Takanen.
Grappling takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Grappling delivers a nice body kick.
Grappling scores to the head and body with a nice combination!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Takanen looks to land a body kick but Grappling moved away.
Takanen stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Grappling.
Takanen tries to clinch there but Grappling circles away.
Grappling lands a nice leg kick that just misses Takanen's sensitive parts.
Takanen looks to land a body kick but Grappling moved away.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Grappling, right into the meat.
Takanen checks the leg kick nicely there.
A low kick from Takanen is predictable there
and Grappling counters with a nice leg kick.
Takanen tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Grappling was well out of range. Poor timing from Takanen.
Takanen thows a body shot but no joy.
Grappling moves out of range of the body kick from Takanen.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Grappling swings away with a body shot that misses
and Takanen counters with an outside leg kick.
Grappling uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Takanen.
Takanen thumps Grappling with a low kick.
Grappling is looking to land body kicks.
A shot to the liver by Takanen. Beautiful body shot.
Takanen moves forwards but Grappling connects with a nice, crisp jab.
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!
Grappling fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Takanen has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Takanen takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Takanen on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Takanen throws a shot from downtown. Grappling moves away and avoids it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Takanen misses with a body shot
and Grappling counters with a nice leg kick.
A chopping leg kick lands by Grappling.
Grappling scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Takanen doesn't seem bothered though.
Takanen tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Grappling counters with a nice body shot.
Takanen avoids the head kick by Grappling.
Takanen misses with a wild combination.
Grappling lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Grappling doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Esko Takanen has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Grappling turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Grappling throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Grappling throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Takanen counters with a nice body shot.
A solid leg kick lands there for Grappling.
Takanen is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Grappling thows a body shot but no joy.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Takanen fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Takanen tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Grappling paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Grappling fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Takanen has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Takanen misses with an uppercut
and Grappling counters with a slapping leg kick.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Grappling avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
A clash of legs there as Grappling blocks the low kick.
Striker Grappling is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Grappling thuds his right hand into Takanen's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.

And that's the end of the fight!
Striker Grappling showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Grappling 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Cecil Peabody scores the fight 49:46
Judge Daniel Franklin scores the fight 50:45
Judge George Francis scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Striker Grappling!
Striker Grappling retains his welterweight title!
Our winner, Striker Grappling, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.