PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Juhani Vihervuori (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Rauno Viittala (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Juhani Vihervuori could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Rauno Viittala's chin.

Vihervuori
vs
Viittala

179 cm
23
184 lbs
6 - 1 - 0

190 cm
30
185 lbs
20 - 12 - 1

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Lethal high kicks
Heavy handed

Perkele!

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 6 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Juhani Vihervuori!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 20 - 12 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Rauno Viittala!
The judges for this bout are Johanna Lukiainen, Anni Minnemäki and Ben Zyskovitsi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Viittala drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Vihervuori is looking for a sweep.
Vihervuori is holding Viittala down, trying to stall.

Viittala stands up.
A shot to the body from Vihervuori misses

and Viittala counters with a takedown into full mount! That could mean trouble for Vihervuori!
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!
Viittala lands a big elbow.
Viittala thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Viittala with shots to the head and body - Vihervuori looks very uncomfortable down there.

Viittala moves into side control, trying to work for a kimura. That looks painful! Will he finish!!?? No, Vihervuori has worked his arm free - good work by Vihervuori!
Viittala working the ground and pound but Vihervuori is defending the strikes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The ground and pound from Viittala seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
Viittala cracks Vihervuori with an elbow. That is naaassty.
Vihervuori tries to get back to half guard but can't.

Viittala looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Viittala tries to stand but Vihervuori is controlling his head.
Vihervuori can't do much from the bottom here.
Viittala in side control lands a decent elbow.

Viittala stands up and we're back to a striking position.
Viittala looks to clinch
and Vihervuori connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Viittala closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Vihervuori throws a hook but Viittala blocks it.
Viittala has his takedown stuffed
and Vihervuori counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Viittala shoots in but no luck this time.
Viittala tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Vihervuori swivels and escapes.
Juhani Vihervuori has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rauno Viittala.
Viittala looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Viittala staying out of range there.
Viittala closes the distance and clinches up with Vihervuori, looking for a takedown. Viittala pushes Vihervuori against the cage but Vihervuori circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Viittala has a takedown stuffed.
Viittala looks gassed!
Vihervuori tries to clinch up but Viittala circles away and keeps his distance.
Vihervuori misses with a straight left.
Vihervuori scores with the left hand. Viittala knows he should have avoided that one.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vihervuori jabs Viittala to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Viittala uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Vihervuori.
Viittala fails with a takedown attempt.
Vihervuori tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Viittala was well out of range. Poor timing from Vihervuori.
Vihervuori throws a hook but Viittala blocks it.
Nice sprawl there from Vihervuori as Viittala shoots in.
Viittala shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Nice jab there from Vihervuori.
Vihervuori misses the shot to the body.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Viittala.
Vihervuori leaves Viittala with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Vihervuori bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Vihervuori wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A bone on bone clash there as Viittala blocks the leg kick.
Vihervuori throws a hook to the side of Viittala's head but Viittala sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Viittala shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Vihervuori pinned against the cage. Vihervuori gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Vihervuori throws a leg kick but Viittala moved away.

Vihervuori scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Vihervuori missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Vihervuori looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.

Viittala has one foot on Vihervuori's thigh - he pushes off and manages to get back to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Rauno Viittala 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.

Viittala fails with the takedown
and Vihervuori counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Vihervuori fails to land the takedown.
Viittala shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Vihervuori but Vihervuori pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Viittala shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Vihervuori sprawls well. Vihervuori wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Viittala gets slowly back to his feet.
Juhani Vihervuori has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rauno Viittala.
Vihervuori will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Viittala fails with a takedown attempt.
Viittala fails to land the takedown.
Viittala moves out of range of the leg kick from Vihervuori.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Vihervuori rushes Viittala and presses him up against the cage.
Vihervuori misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Vihervuori stalls.
Vihervuori tries to pull guard but Viittala holds him up against the cage and eventually Vihervuori drops back down to his feet.
Vihervuori is trying to maintain a safe position but Viittala gets an underhook and turns Vihervuori into the cage.
Vihervuori avoiding damage.

Viittala has dropped down and is working for a takedown. Vihervuori is trying to keep an underhook but Viittala manages to get the takedown into half guard.
Vihervuori makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Vihervuori.
Vihervuori trying to keep a closed guard but Viittala is proving a slippery customer.
Viittala would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Viittala decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Vihervuori, up you get!
The fighters circling - Vihervuori throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Viittala on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Viittala takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Viittala.
Viittala is breathing heavily.
Viittala is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Rauno Viittala seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Viittala displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Vihervuori throws out the jab.
Viittala uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Vihervuori.
Viittala tries to score a power double leg takedown but Vihervuori sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Viittala somewhat.
Vihervuori misses with a leg kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Viittala tries to close the distance and clinch but Vihervuori swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Vihervuori swings away with a body shot that misses

and Viittala holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Vihervuori lands an uppercut.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Viittala wants to break free but Vihervuori has control.
Viittala is working for takedown but Vihervuori is calmly controlling the position for now.
Viittala working aggressively here.
Viittala lands an elbow that stopped Vihervuori in his tracks for a moment.
Vihervuori misses with a punch to the body.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Vihervuori trying to stall but Viittala improves his position.
Vihervuori tries to work over Viittala's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Vihervuori scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Viittala tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Vihervuori smiles and moves away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Vihervuori looking to score a takedown here. Viittala is defending well but Vihervuori drives through and ends up in Viittala's guard.
Vihervuori trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Viittala is adopting a defensive guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Vihervuori looking to pass the guard.
Vihervuori wants to control from the top but Viittala keeps moving.
Vihervuori passes into half guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Viittala pushes Vihervuori off looking to stand but Vihervuori dives back in and keeps control.
Viittala wants to improve his position but Vihervuori is controlling well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Juhani Vihervuori dominated that second round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Viittala shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Vihervuori pinned against the cage. Vihervuori gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.

Vihervuori moves into the clinch successfully.
Vihervuori can't find room to land a body shot as Viittala controls the action.
Viittala prevents a body shot from Vihervuori.
Vihervuori stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Viittala misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Viittala changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Vihervuori fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Juhani Vihervuori is winning the standup battle so far.
Vihervuori stuns Viittala with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Vihervuori throws a right and a left that Viittala avoids nicely.
Vihervuori misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Viittala.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vihervuori ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Viittala moves away.
Viittala shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Vihervuori as he avoids it easily.
Juhani Vihervuori has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rauno Viittala.
Viittala keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Vihervuori pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Vihervuori thows a left - swing and a miss!
Rauno Viittala is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Vihervuori gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
A nice right hand lands inside from Vihervuori.
Vihervuori goes for a takedown attempt but Viittala pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Viittala misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Viittala takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Viittala shoots in looking for a takedown but Vihervuori manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Viittala's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Vihervuori feints and then cracks Viittala's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Viittala down.
Vihervuori misses with a low kick as Viittala jumps back.
Viittala tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Vihervuori swivels and escapes.
Vihervuori digs a good hook to Viittala's body.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Vihervuori scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Vihervuori controlling from side mount.
Vihervuori trying to control the action but Viittala is working from the bottom.
Vihervuori in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Viittala seems a little lost for a moment, as Vihervuori dominates the positioning.
Viittala is looking to reverse the position.
Viittala has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

Vihervuori is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Viittala knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.

Vihervuori is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Viittala is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Viittala tries to escape but Vihervuori is in control.
Vihervuori postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
Viittala is not content to let Vihervuori control the position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Viittala wants to control but Vihervuori postures up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Viittala bucks up and tries to throw Vihervuori off but instead Vihervuori has got his back!

Viittala is trying to shake Vihervuori off. He's managed it and has hopped back to his feet! Vihervuori won't be happy about giving up the dominant position.
Viittala tries to clinch but Vihervuori moves out of range.
Vihervuori connects with a body shot.
Horrible takedown by Viittala or perhaps it was just good defense by Vihervuori which made him look bad.
Vihervuori with a nice cross.
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!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Viittala avoids the body shot from Vihervuori.

Viittala closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Vihervuori has Viittala pressed against the cage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Juhani Vihervuori clearly takes that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Vihervuori defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Viittala.
Viittala with a poor takedown
and Vihervuori counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Viittala checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Vihervuori misses with a low kick.
Viittala is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Vihervuori fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Viittala manages to avoid it.
Viittala shoots for a double leg takedown but Vihervuori sprawls well. He's pushed Viittala's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Juhani Vihervuori has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rauno Viittala.
Nice takedown defense from Vihervuori. No joy for Viittala on that attempt.
Vihervuori throws a lazy right hand but Viittala sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Vihervuori scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Viittala doesn't seem bothered though.
Viittala's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Vihervuori connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Viittala scrambles back to his feet.

Viittala is rocked!
Vihervuori misses with a wild body shot.
Viittala is still on wobbly legs! Can Vihervuori finish him?

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vihervuori turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Viittala is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
A jab lands there for Vihervuori.
Viittala is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Vihervuori throws a low kick but Viittala moves out of range easily.
Vihervuori is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Viittala.
Vihervuori lands with a straight right. Viittala didn't see that one coming.
Viittala tries to clinch but Vihervuori moves out of range.
Vihervuori throws the left hand but Viittala avoids the punch easily.
Vihervuori circles away from the clinch attempt.
Vihervuori throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Vihervuori misses with a body shot.
Viittala moves out of range of the strikes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Viittala fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Viittala slaps away a takedown attempt from Vihervuori, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Viittala takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Vihervuori tries to clinch but Viittala is having none of it.
Viittala seems to have recovered his senses.
Vihervuori misses the shot to the body.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Viittala takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Viittala keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Vihervuori.
Viittala walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Vihervuori connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Viittala's hands.
Viittala shoots and misses
and Vihervuori counters with an inside leg kick.
A punch lands to the side of Viittala 's head but he takes it in his stride.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Viittala shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Viittala shoots in looking for a takedown but Vihervuori manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Viittala's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Vihervuori comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Viittala blocks a leg kick.
Viittala takes one on the button.
Vihervuori jabs away that one connects to the head of his opponent.
Vihervuori connects with a body shot.
Vihervuori connects with a nice looking jab.
Vihervuori leaves Viittala with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Viittala looks up at the clock. Bad move! Vihervuori lands a right hand from hell, dropping Viittala. Vihervuori pounces and finishes the fight with a flurry of punches and elbows.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:51 of round 4, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Juhani Vihervuori!
Juhani Vihervuori retains his welterweight title!
During a confident post fight interview, Juhani Vihervuori thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.