PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Per Saukko (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Thomas Benjamin Jr (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Saukko comes to the cage accompanied by Jedi Mind Tricks - Genghis Khan . Benjamin Jr is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by Beheaded in Paris by Cradled To Grave. Man, I cannot wait for this one!

Saukko
vs
Benjamin Jr

182 cm
32
180 lbs
18 - 12 - 1

180 cm
29
185 lbs
18 - 10 - 1

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 18 - 12 - 1, fighting out of Montreal, Per Saukko!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 18 - 10 - 1, fighting out of Montreal, Thomas Benjamin Jr!
The judges for this bout are Alec Ball, Steve Smith and Ian Loll.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Benjamin Jr scores with a jab to the head.
A right-left combo lands from Benjamin Jr.
A bone on bone clash there as Saukko blocks the leg kick.
Benjamin Jr checks the leg kick.
Saukko fails in his attempt to clinch.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Saukko.
Saukko tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Benjamin Jr was well out of range. Poor timing from Saukko.
Saukko throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Benjamin Jr misses with a straight left.
A telegraphed right hand from Saukko misses the target.
Benjamin Jr with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Benjamin Jr stuns Saukko with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Saukko pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Saukko connects with an inside leg kick.
Saukko's jab looks to have found its range, popping Benjamin Jr under the eye.
A leg kick checked by Benjamin Jr.
Good standup being displayed there by Saukko as he connects with a hook.
Saukko will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Saukko throws the left hand but Benjamin Jr avoids the punch easily.
Nice shot by Benjamin Jr.
Benjamin Jr tries to land a front kick but Saukko steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Benjamin Jr tries to move into range but Saukko moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Benjamin Jr misses with an uppercut
enabling Saukko to counter with a crisp jab.
Saukko slaps away a takedown attempt from Benjamin Jr, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Benjamin Jr thumps Saukko with a low kick.
Saukko thows a body shot but no joy.
Saukko slips a straight right by Benjamin Jr.
Benjamin Jr on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Saukko. Saukko obviously looking to wear him down.
Saukko loads up on a big right hand but Benjamin Jr slips the punch.
Saukko blocks a jab.
Saukko connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Saukko checks a leg kick.
Benjamin Jr uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Saukko.
Saukko looks for the body kick but Benjamin Jr saw that one coming.
Saukko throws an overhand right that lands on Benjamin Jr's shoulder, as Benjamin Jr tries to avoid the shot.
Benjamin Jr takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
A leg kick checked by Saukko.
Benjamin Jr misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Benjamin Jr moves out of range of the strikes.
A left and a right from Saukko both land. Nice combination.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Benjamin Jr misses with an uppercut.
Nice defenses there by Saukko.
Saukko throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Saukko misses with a two punch combination.
Saukko swinging wildly here.
Nice uppercut there from Saukko.
Saukko throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Benjamin Jr's waist but Benjamin Jr gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Saukko off to one side.
A big right from Benjamin Jr misses.
A clash of legs there as Saukko blocks the low kick.
Benjamin Jr keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Saukko ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Benjamin Jr moves away.
A jab lands there for Benjamin Jr.
Benjamin Jr misses the shot to the body.
Benjamin Jr feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Saukkos jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Saukko tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Benjamin Jr is able to avoid easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Benjamin Jr throws a leg kick that misses.
Saukko throws a combination that misses
letting Benjamin Jr counter with a right hand.
Saukko catches Benjamin Jr with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Saukko is looking to land body kicks.
Benjamin Jr ducks under a wild hook from Saukko.
Saukko tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Benjamin Jr throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Benjamin Jr slips a jab and a cross from Saukko.
Saukko cracks Benjamin Jr with a right hand to the side of the head.
Saukko throws a poor cross that misses
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Benjamin Jr throws a leg kick but Saukko sees it coming and moves out of range.
Benjamin Jr tried to score with a low kick but Saukko checks it.
Saukko goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Saukko shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Benjamin Jr walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Saukko checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Benjamin Jr takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Saukko misses with a body kick.
Benjamin Jr tries to close the distance and clinch but Saukko swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Benjamin Jr scoring well with a low kick there.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Benjamin Jr connects with a leg kick. Saukko looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.

Benjamin Jr closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Benjamin Jr cracks Saukko with a big elbow.
Saukko is looking for a sweep.
Benjamin Jr working away.
Saukko is not content to let Benjamin Jr control the position.
Benjamin Jr throwing ground and pound but whilst doing so, he forgets to control position and Saukko works his way back to half guard. Good composure under pressure.
Benjamin Jr is looking to take a break and control but Saukko is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Saukko avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Benjamin Jr.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Thomas Benjamin Jr 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.

Benjamin Jr throws a hook but Saukko blocks it.
Saukko chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Benjamin Jr can pounce on him.
Saukko works over Benjamin Jr's head and body with a nice combination.
Benjamin Jr swats away the attempt to clinch by Saukko.
Benjamin Jr misses with a low kick.
Benjamin Jr takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Benjamin Jr ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Saukko tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
An inside leg kick lands from Benjamin Jr.
Saukko moves out of range as Benjamin Jr strikes.
Saukko feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Benjamin Jr's calf.
Benjamin Jr scores with the left hand. Saukko knows he should have avoided that one.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Saukko fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Benjamin Jr catches Saukko with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Saukko missing with a left hand there. Benjamin Jr was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Saukko misses with a hook.
Benjamin Jr looks to score with a jab to the body but Saukko is just out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Benjamin Jr shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Benjamin Jr was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Saukko can't escape the position.
Benjamin Jr connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Benjamin Jr connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Benjamin Jr lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
Benjamin Jr has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Saukko is looking to get to half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Benjamin Jr working away from the top, dropping strikes.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Saukko can't escape the position.
Benjamin Jr controlling the pace for now.
Benjamin Jr postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Saukko looks a forlorn figure.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Benjamin Jr working to secure an arm triangle but it's not happening for him just yet.
Thomas Benjamin Jr has got the better of the ground game so far.
Benjamin Jr with good strikes from the mount here!
Saukko is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Saukko is working hard here to advance position.
Saukko regains half guard.
Benjamin Jr thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Benjamin Jr wants to pass to mount but Saukko is defending the position.
Benjamin Jr working Saukko over with strikes.
Benjamin Jr tries to pass to full mount but Saukko defends it.
Saukko is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Benjamin Jr scores with a couple of nice shots.
Benjamin Jr landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Benjamin Jr keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Benjamin Jr seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Saukko does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Saukko wants to improve his position but Benjamin Jr is controlling well.
Benjamin Jr is nestled in close to Saukko, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Benjamin Jr is looking to take a break and control but Saukko is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.

Benjamin Jr is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Saukko sees it coming and defends easily.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Benjamin Jr not doing much here.

Saukko looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Benjamin Jr wants to control but Saukko is keeping him busy.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Saukko wants to get back to full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Thomas Benjamin Jr showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

That kick from Benjamin Jr tenderised Saukko's leg. Saukko is trying to keep his angry face on.
Saukko waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Benjamin Jr.
Saukko tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Benjamin Jr keeps the fight on the outside.
Thomas Benjamin Jr seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Saukko looks to land a combination but Benjamin Jr avoids it well.
Saukko ducks under a wild hook from Benjamin Jr.
Benjamin Jr fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Saukko checks it well.
Benjamin Jr connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Saukko misses with a hook.
Benjamin Jr throws a solid leg kick but Saukko takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Benjamin Jr.
Benjamin Jr lands a slapping body shot.
Benjamin Jr uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Saukko.
Saukko looks to throw the jab but Benjamin Jr is out of range.
Benjamin Jr missing with a left hand there. Saukko was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Saukko looks for the body kick but Benjamin Jr saw that one coming.

Saukko shoots in and gets a takedown into Benjamin Jr's guard.
Benjamin Jr wants to sweep here but Saukko controlling him for the moment.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Benjamin Jr seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Saukko prevents Benjamin Jr from getting back to his feet.
Benjamin Jr not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Saukko postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Benjamin Jr tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Saukko with a flurry of punches that miss.
Saukko scoring with punches to the head and body.
Saukko stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Benjamin Jr swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Benjamin Jr avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Benjamin Jr pulls Saukko in close to his closed guard and prevents Saukko from doing any damage or advancing position.
Saukko has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Benjamin Jr is trying to keep Saukko in close.
Saukko is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Thomas Benjamin Jr wasn't active enough on the ground.
A punch lands to the side of Saukko 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Saukko 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.
Saukko throws a body kick that misses.
A swing and a miss from Saukko.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Saukko avoids the body shot from Benjamin Jr.
Benjamin Jr finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Benjamin Jr tries a head kick but it misses.

Benjamin Jr closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Saukko quickly recovers to half guard.
Benjamin Jr thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Saukko's head.
Saukko taking some punishment here, with Benjamin Jr in his half guard.
Benjamin Jr wants to control but Saukko is keeping him busy.

Saukko looking for submissions off his back.
Saukko is looking for a sweep. Benjamin Jr is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Per Saukko has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Thomas Benjamin Jr is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Saukko is refusing to be controlled, as Benjamin Jr sits in half guard.
Still in half guard, Benjamin Jr seems content to control.
Benjamin Jr's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Thomas Benjamin Jr was stalling too much, according to the referee.
Benjamin Jr thumps Saukko with a low kick.
Saukko rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Benjamin Jr counters with a nice leg kick.
Saukko loads up on a big right hand but Benjamin Jr slips the punch.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A combination from Saukko does no damage.
Saukko takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Saukko tries to score with a low kick but Benjamin Jr moves his leg out of the way.
Benjamin Jr checks a low kick from Saukko.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
A chopping leg kick lands by Benjamin Jr.
Saukko throws a leg kick but Benjamin Jr sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Saukko takes a swing at Benjamin Jr's ribcage but misses.
Saukko misses with a body shot.

And that's the end of the fight!
Thomas Benjamin Jr comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Benjamin Jr 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 Alec Ball scores the fight 27:30
Judge Steve Smith scores the fight 27:30
Judge Ian Loll scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Thomas Benjamin Jr!
Thomas Benjamin Jr seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.