PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Szymon Kowalski (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ukko Kivireki (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Kowalski
vs
Kivireki

180 cm
25
180 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

184 cm
18
184 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
Granite chin

Decent wrestler
Basic striking
Determined

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Szymon Kowalski!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Ukko Kivireki!
The judges for this bout are Anni Minnemäki, Marco Blurström and Arvi Lind.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kivireki moves forwards but Kowalski connects with a nice, crisp jab.

It looks like Ukko Kivireki has been cut.
Kivireki throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Kowalski misses with a jab, cross combination.
Kowalski throws a series of punches but Kivireki moves out of range.
Kivireki uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Kowalski.
Kowalski lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Kivireki at a distance.
Nice shot by Kowalski.

Kivireki changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Kowalski looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Kivireki looks up at the clock and then as Kowalski takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Kivireki smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
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!
Kivireki in side control lands a decent elbow.
Kowalski manages to get back to half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kivireki looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Kivireki throws a big elbow that misses, also allowing Kowalski to regain full guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Kowalski wants to get back to his feet but Kivireki is in a dominant position and won't allow it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kowalski preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Kivireki scoring with some ground and pound.
Kowalski is looking to stand up but Kivireki isn't so interested in that idea.

Kivireki drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Kowalski manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Kivireki has Kowalski in his guard.
Kivireki 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.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kivireki not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

Kivireki has his foot on Kowalski's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Kowalski works his way back into a safe position though.
Kivireki 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.
Kivireki is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

Kowalski decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kivireki throws a shot from downtown. Kowalski moves away and avoids it.

Kowalski drops Kivireki with a beautiful combination! Kivireki stares up at his opponent, who ushers him back to his feet - Kowalski is looking for the KO!

Kivireki is rocked!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kowalski misses with a series of wild punches.
Kivireki is still on wobbly legs! Can Kowalski finish him?
Kowalski tries to clinch there but Kivireki circles away.
Kowalski plants his feet and throws a brutal three punch combo that sends Kivireki swiftly into unconsciousness! Right, left, right! Boom, boom, boom! Kivireki face plants, battered and bloodied! He might never be the same again after that finish!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:32 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Szymon Kowalski!