PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Jarmo Laukkanen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jack Daniels (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Laukkanen comes to the cage accompanied by The Mutilation of Christ. Jack Daniels acknowledges the crowd's support as he enters the cage.

Laukkanen
vs
Daniels

168 cm
26
150 lbs
14 - 11 - 0

174 cm
25
170 lbs
8 - 8 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
World class MT
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 14 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Jarmo Laukkanen!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Jack Daniels!
The judges for this bout are Chris Downing, Daniel Franklin and Stewart Dunkirk.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Laukkanen ducks under a wild hook from Daniels.
Daniels slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Laukkanen uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Daniels.

Daniels throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Laukkanen tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Daniels is in Laukkanen's guard.
Laukkanen avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Laukkanen working a defensive guard here.
Daniels missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Daniels tries to free his leg and advance position but Laukkanen is retaining full guard.
Laukkanen is trying to keep Daniels in close.
Daniels working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Daniels trying to control but Laukkanen is working from the bottom.

Daniels got a little sloppy there for a moment and Laukkanen has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Daniels has managed to get both his arms back between Laukkanen's legs - danger averted.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Laukkanen looking to control.
Daniels with a flurry of punches that miss.
Laukkanen working a defensive guard but Daniels manages to pass into side control anyway.
Daniels looks up at the clock and then as Laukkanen takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Daniels smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
Daniels wants to lay and pray for a moment but Laukkanen keeps working.
Laukkanen is looking for a sweep.
A bit of a lull in the action. I'm sure it will pick up again soon... even if the ref has to physically pick them up and put them back on their feet.
Daniels scoring with punches from side control.
Daniels wants to lay and pray for a moment but Laukkanen keeps working.
Daniels landing a few strikes.
Daniels taking a break here but Laukkanen is having none of it and regains half guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Laukkanen regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Daniels.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Daniels postures up.
Daniels wants to control from the top but Laukkanen keeps moving.
Daniels postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Daniels keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Laukkanen's head.
Daniels preventing the sweep.
Laukkanen not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Laukkanen keeping moving, preventing Daniels from controlling successfully.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Laukkanen is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Daniels tries to free his leg and advance position but Laukkanen is retaining full guard.
Daniels working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Daniels trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Laukkanen is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Daniels is aware though and is defending well.
Laukkanen working a defensive guard here.
Daniels passes Laukkanen's right leg, so he's now in half guard.

Laukkanen is defending against the submission attempts here by Daniels.
Daniels controlling the pace.
Laukkanen has hold of Daniels's hands but Daniels slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Daniels working the head and body with strikes.
Daniels sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Laukkanen defending well though.
Laukkanen tries to get to full guard but Daniels has control of the leg.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are battling for position here. Laukkanen manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Daniels throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Laukkanen working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Daniels.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Laukkanen looking for a sweep. Not yet Laukkanen, not yet.
Daniels with a flurry of punches that miss.
Daniels loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Daniels is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Laukkanen can't keep his opponent in guard - Daniels advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Daniels not landing any meaningful shots this time.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Well, if Daniels is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
Daniels thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jack Daniels dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Daniels looks to land a left hand but Laukkanen moved out of range nicely.
Laukkanen tries to land a front kick but Daniels steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Daniels avoids the body shot from Laukkanen.
Daniels misses with a left hand
and Laukkanen counters with a kick to the head that grazes his opponent. Daniels is lucky that one didn't land flush.

Laukkanen working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Daniels doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Daniels manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Daniels throws a big right hand that misses.
Daniels throws a big elbow that misses.
Laukkanen wants to sweep but no luck.
Daniels postures up in Laukkanen's guard and throws a big left but Laukkanen blocks it.
Laukkanen has momentary wrist control but Daniels slips an elbow through the middle.
Daniels looking to pass the guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Laukkanen utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Daniels lands a couple of digs.
Daniels works over Laukkanen with some ground and pound from guard.
Laukkanen controls Daniels momentarily but Daniels frees himself.
Daniels sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Laukkanen's guard.
Daniels has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

Daniels is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Laukkanen defends it well.
Laukkanen blocking the ground and pound attempt from Daniels.
Daniels takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Laukkanen is looking for a sweep. Daniels is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Daniels slips a nice elbow through Laukkanen's hands, connecting with Laukkanen's forehead.
Laukkanen is looking for a sweep. Daniels is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Daniels missing with the ground and pound from half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Laukkanen is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Nice strikes from Daniels there.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Nice strikes from Daniels there.
Laukkanen is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Daniels wants to control but Laukkanen is keeping him busy.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Daniels sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Laukkanen defending well though.
Daniels is controlling the pace.
Ground and pound from Daniels.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Laukkanen moves into full guard.
Daniels missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Daniels trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Daniels looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Laukkanen looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Laukkanen tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Daniels tries to free his leg and advance position but Laukkanen is retaining full guard.
Laukkanen avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Daniels is looking to work some ground and pound but Laukkanen has wrist control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Laukkanen tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Daniels scoring with punches to the head and body.
Laukkanen looking for a sweep. Not yet Laukkanen, not yet.
Daniels trying to control the position from guard on top but Laukkanen is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Daniels lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Daniels throwing strikes but missing.
Daniels throws a strike but Laukkanen rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Daniels is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Laukkanen defends well.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Laukkanen tries to free his leg and advance position but Daniels is retaining full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jack Daniels showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Daniels throws a hard body shot but it just misses.

Daniels shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Laukkanen not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Daniels with a flurry of punches that miss.
Laukkanen looking for a sweep. Not yet Laukkanen, not yet.
Daniels throws a big elbow that misses.
Daniels with a nice head shot there.
Daniels trying to control the position from guard on top but Laukkanen is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Daniels working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Laukkanen's head.
Daniels stands and throws Laukkanen's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Daniels lands an elbow.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Laukkanen is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Daniels off and has taken his back!
Daniels looking very determined here, making life difficult for Laukkanen.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Laukkanen controlling well, preventing Daniels from escaping the position.
Daniels just trying to survive but Laukkanen is wriggling into a better position, looking to finish.
Daniels rolls and manages to get back to half guard. Nicely done.
Daniels keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Daniels trying to control but Laukkanen postures up.

Daniels looking for submissions off his back.
Daniels trying to control here but he's found himself mounted! Oh no!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Daniels wants to hold on but Laukkanen pushes him away.
Laukkanen tries to control but Daniels wriggling away.
Daniels working to try and regain half guard.
Laukkanen looking to control but Daniels is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Jack Daniels has got the better of the ground game so far.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Laukkanen lands a big shot there that rocks Daniels but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Daniels is trying desperately to improve position.
Laukkanen tries to control but Daniels wriggling away.
Daniels is in all sorts of trouble here.
Laukkanen lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.

Laukkanen goes for an armbar but he's fallen flat on his backside there and now Daniels is on top in guard.
Daniels trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Daniels missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Laukkanen pulls Daniels in close to prevent any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Daniels throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Laukkanen works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Daniels trying to control but Laukkanen is working from the bottom.
Daniels throwing strikes but missing.
Laukkanen striking off his back but it's not causing Daniels any problems.
Daniels working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Daniels is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Daniels won't allow Laukkanen to sweep him here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Daniels accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Laukkanen working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Daniels.
Daniels is looking to work some ground and pound but Laukkanen has wrist control.
Daniels postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jack Daniels really dominated that round.
That's time! Laukkanen's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Daniels just misses with a punch to the body.
Laukkanen uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Daniels.
Daniels turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Jarmo Laukkanen is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Laukkanen avoids the head kick by Daniels.
Laukkanen throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Daniels is looking to land body kicks.
A shot to the body from Laukkanen misses
and Daniels counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Laukkanen throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.

Daniels feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Daniels distracts Laukkanen with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Daniels wants to control from the top but Laukkanen keeps moving.
Daniels postures up and lands a big shot to Laukkanen's brow.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Laukkanen is trying to keep Daniels in close.
Daniels has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Daniels trying to control the position from guard on top but Laukkanen is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Daniels is working Laukkanen over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Laukkanen looking for a sweep. Not yet Laukkanen, not yet.
Laukkanen keeping moving, preventing Daniels from controlling successfully.
Laukkanen wants to sweep here but Daniels controlling him for the moment.
Daniels throws a big elbow that misses.
Laukkanen pulls Daniels in close to prevent any damage.
Daniels working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Daniels with a flurry of punches that miss.
Laukkanen is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Laukkanen lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Daniels!
Daniels is trying to escape the mount.
Laukkanen lands an elbow that was bordering on illegal but the referee lets it go with a warning.
Laukkanen prevents Daniels from getting the reversal.
Daniels is squirming around, avoiding Laukkanen's attempts to control the action.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Daniels is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Laukkanen looking to control but Daniels is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Daniels is working to get back to half guard.
Laukkanen raining down shots from the mount!
Daniels is looking to get to half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Daniels tries to hold on but Laukkanen pushes him away.
Daniels keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Daniels is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Laukkanen raining down shots from the mount!
Daniels tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Daniels sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Daniels is looking for a sweep. Laukkanen is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jack Daniels dominated that fourth 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. This is the final round!

Laukkanen misses with a head kick.
Laukkanen tries a head kick but it misses.
Laukkanen misses with a few strikes there.
Daniels misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Laukkanen.
Daniels dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Laukkanen. That did some damage!
A head kick misses from Laukkanen.
Daniels throws an overhand right that lands on Laukkanen's shoulder, as Laukkanen tries to avoid the shot.
Laukkanen shoots in looking for a takedown but Daniels manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Laukkanen's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Laukkanen fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Daniels swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.

Daniels fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Laukkanen to the ground. Daniels is now in Laukkanen's guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Daniels working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Daniels cracks Laukkanen with a solid left hand.
Laukkanen wants to sweep but no luck.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Daniels slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Laukkanen working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Daniels.
Laukkanen keeping full guard, as Daniels tries to pass.
Laukkanen avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Daniels throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Laukkanen is trying to control the position but Daniels postures up.
Daniels looking to sit in guard and control but Laukkanen gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Daniels avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Laukkanen won't allow Daniels to sweep him here.
Laukkanen stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Daniels swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Laukkanen stopping the sweep attempt from Daniels.
Daniels avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Laukkanen is pushing down on Daniels's leg trying to pass to half guard. Daniels is fighting to maintain full guard but Laukkanen has managed to sneak the leg through.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Laukkanen wants to pass the guard but Daniels is defending well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Daniels wants to improve his position but Laukkanen is controlling well.
Laukkanen trying to mount his opponent but Daniels defends it.

Daniels looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Daniels moves into full guard.
Laukkanen tries to free his leg and advance position but Daniels is retaining full guard.

Daniels is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Laukkanen trying to control the position from guard on top but Daniels is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Laukkanen wants to pass the guard but Daniels is keeping the position.
Laukkanen trying to control but Daniels is working from the bottom.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Daniels is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Laukkanen defends well.
Jarmo Laukkanen has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Jack Daniels is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Laukkanen scores with a decent looking elbow strike.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Jack Daniels.
Well Daniels 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Chris Downing scores the fight 45:50
Judge Daniel Franklin scores the fight 45:50
Judge Stewart Dunkirk scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jack Daniels!
Jack Daniels is the new lightweight champion!
A relieved looking Jack Daniels thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.