PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between JeanPierre Kusela (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Max Power (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kusela comes to the cage accompanied by Paradise Lost - Small Town Boy. JeanPierre Kusela has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Kusela
vs
Power

178 cm
21
169 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

190 cm
23
175 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

Dangerous GnP
Brawler
Cuts easily

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter striker
Granite chin

Bushido Clothing
CROWN

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 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, JeanPierre Kusela!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Max Power!
The judges for this bout are Ben Zyskovitsi, Marco Blurström and Matti Vanhoillinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Kusela decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.

Power actively working from the bottom here.
Kusela lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.

Power is looking to sinch up a gullotine here but Kusela pulls his head out easily.
Kusela misses with a head shot. Power uses the momentum to regain guard.
Kusela in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Kusela trying to control but Power is working from the bottom.
Kusela tries to free his leg and advance position but Power is retaining full guard.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!

Power has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Kusela is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Power.
Kusela tries to advance to mount but Power denies him.
Power manages to work his way to half guard, despite Kusela's best efforts.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Power is trying to get back to full guard.
Kusela works his way into side control.
Power regains half guard.
Kusela trying to mount his opponent but Power defends it.
Kusela is working hard here to advance position.

Power actively working from the bottom here.

Power looking for submissions off his back.
Power looks gassed!
Power is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Kusela scores with a couple of nice shots.
Power taking some punishment here, with Kusela in his half guard.

Power is looking to sinch up a gullotine here but Kusela pulls his head out easily.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Kusela connects with a nice short shot to Power's temple.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kusela scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Power is not content to let Kusela control the position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Kusela lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Power trying to control from the bottom.
Kusela working over Power with some ground and pound. Power looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Ground and pound from Kusela.
Kusela lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.

Power is looking to sinch up a gullotine here but Kusela pulls his head out easily.
Kusela passes the guard and advances to mount!
Power is working to get back to half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kusela working Power over with strikes here.
Kusela postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Power looks a forlorn figure.
Kusela landing strikes from the mount and Power is in trouble!
Kusela is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Power can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
Power in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Kusela scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish Power?
Kusela with the ground and pound from mount.
Kusela raining down shots from the mount!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kusela connects with a couple of good shots from mount.

Power is rocked!
Kusela with the ground and pound from mount.
Kusela lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Power hang on?
Kusela landing strikes, looking to finish!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Power is trying desperately to improve position.
Kusela lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
The referee warns Power that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
Kusela raining down shots from the mount!
Kusela lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
Kusela fakes a shot to the body and cracks his opponent in the head. Nice ground and pound there!
Power is in a horrible position here. Kusela smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
Kusela looking to finish Power with some ground and pound. This is bad for Power!
Kusela working away from the top, dropping strikes.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kusela fakes a shot to the body and cracks his opponent in the head. Nice ground and pound there!
Kusela punishing his opponent with strikes.
Kusela lands a big shot there that rocks Power but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
Kusela lands a nice shot to the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

JeanPierre Kusela dominated 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.

Kusela scores with a takedown into Power's guard.

Power is looking for a triangle here but Kusela uses the submission attempt to pass into side control.
Kusela tries to move to mount but Power blocks the move with his legs.
Kusela lands a few punches from side control.
Kusela scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Power to see if he's OK.
Kusela scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Power to see if he's OK.
Kusela landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.
Power on the wrong end of some ground and pound.
Kusela lands some shots froms side control.
Check out the look on Kusela's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Kusela landing strikes.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Power is looking to regain half guard here but Kusela keeps moving and retains side control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Power manages to work his way to half guard, despite Kusela's best efforts.

Power looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Kusela tries to pass the half guard into mount. Power knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Kusela uses his free foot to push down on Power's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Power.
Kusela postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Power looks a forlorn figure.
A nice elbow there by Kusela.
Kusela is landing with some decent strikes but Power is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.
Kusela prevents Power from getting the reversal.
Kusela looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.
Kusela lands a big shot there that rocks Power but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
Power keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Power tries to hold on but Kusela postures up.
Kusela with the ground and pound from mount.
Kusela scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish Power?
Power is working to get back to half guard.
Power wants to use the cage to get back to his feet here.
Kusela connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Kusela cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!

Kusela has control of Power's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Power regains control of the situation pretty easily.
Kusela looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Power is bucking up trying to escape but Kusela cracks him with another couple of good strikes.
Power is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Power is in a horrible position here. Kusela smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
Power regains half guard.
Kusela looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Kusela scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Kusela seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Kusela wants to pass the guard but Power is defending well.
JeanPierre Kusela overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Kusela throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Power trying to control from the bottom.

Power looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Power tries to roll over but Kusela keeps him under control.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.

Kusela scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Ground and pound from Kusela.
Kusela looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Kusela is looking to take a break and control but Power is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Power actively working from the bottom here.
Kusela lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Kusela takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

JeanPierre Kusela dominated that second round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Kusela closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Kusela lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.

Kusela is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Power wants to get back to full guard.
Kusela working the head and body with strikes.
Power gets back to full guard.
Kusela tries to free his leg and advance position but Power is retaining full guard.

Power looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Kusela cracks Power with a solid left hand.

Power looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kusela postures up and lands a big shot to Power's brow.
Kusela might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Kusela stands and throws Power's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Kusela is putting a hurting on Power here, landing some big shots from side control.
Kusela lands some shots froms side control.
Kusela lands an elbow.
Power is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Kusela asserts his dominance and retains side control.
Power takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.
Power is looking to regain half guard here but Kusela keeps moving and retains side control.
Kusela is looking to take a break and control but Power is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Kusela scoring with punches from side control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kusela working the ground and pound from side control.
Kusela grinds an elbow into Power's temple.
Kusela prevents Power from escaping the position.
Power tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Kusela wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Kusela tries to advance to mount but can't.

Kusela tries for a kimura but Power is defending well.
Kusela throws an elbow but Power slips to the side and avoids it well.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.

Power closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Kusela to the mat! Kusela manages to get full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Power drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Power jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Power trying to control but Kusela is working from the bottom.
Power stopping the sweep attempt from Kusela.
Kusela striking off his back but it's not causing Power any problems.
Kusela trying to control the position.
Power advances position into side control!
Kusela is trying to improve his position.

Power thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kusela manages to get back to half guard.
Kusela moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Power is pushing down on Kusela's leg trying to pass to half guard. Kusela is fighting to maintain full guard but Power has managed to sneak the leg through.

Power is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Kusela defends it well.

Power is working for a submission of some sort.
Kusela gets full guard.
Power trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but JeanPierre Kusela did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
That's time! Back to the action!

Kusela gets a takedown into half guard.
Power tries to get to full guard but Kusela has control of the leg.
Kusela is tying to control. Power wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Kusela scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Kusela working Power over with strikes.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Kusela trying to pass the guard but Power defending well.
Kusela trying to control the action but Power is working from the bottom.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Power misses with a takedown

and Kusela counters with a takedown into full mount! That could mean trouble for Power!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Power throwing punches from his back but nothing is landing.
Kusela unloading with bombs!
Kusela putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
Power is in all sorts of trouble here.
Kusela landing shots from mount.
Kusela dominating with strikes here.
Power tries to hold on but Kusela pushes him away.
Kusela connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Kusela landing strikes, looking to finish!
Kusela working away from the top, dropping strikes.
Kusela is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Power can do to turn this around?
Kusela avoids the attempt from Power to control.
Power is looking to improve his position but Kusela isn't that keen on the idea.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Kusela lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
Kusela lands a big elbow.
Power working to try and regain half guard.
BOOM! Kusela connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Kusela lands a nice shot to the head.
Kusela has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Power's face.
Kusela in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Kusela scores with a couple of good head shots there.
Kusela sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
Kusela with the ground and pound from mount.
Power manages to regain half guard. Good work.
Kusela seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Kusela seems to be looking for submissions.
Kusela is tying to control. Power wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Power moves into full guard.
Kusela stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Power swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Kusela cracks Power with a solid left hand.
Kusela missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Kusela throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Power works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Power lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Kusela!

Power is giving the impression that he's looking to ground and pound but he switches suddenly into a beautiful far side armbar! Kusela is forced to tap! Great finish!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:01 of round 4, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Max Power!
Max Power is the new welterweight champion!