PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Maurice McDonald (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Arvo Penaali (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Penaali has chosen Immortal Technique - Obnoxius as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Maurice McDonald could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Arvo Penaali's chin.

McDonald
vs
Penaali

180 cm
36
184 lbs
36 - 21 - 1

180 cm
33
178 lbs
18 - 5 - 1

Good wrestling
Lethal high kicks
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

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 36 - 21 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Maurice McDonald!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 18 - 5 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Arvo Penaali!
The judges for this bout are Matti Vanhoillinen, Marco Blurström and Anni Minnemäki.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Penaali misses with a series of wild punches.
McDonald was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Penaali shoots in looking for a takedown but McDonald manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Penaali's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
McDonald appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
McDonald throws a sloppy head kick and Penaali moves out of range easily.
Penaali is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
McDonald scores with a head kick.

It looks like Arvo Penaali has been cut.
A shot to the body from McDonald misses

and Penaali counters with a takedown into side control.
McDonald tries to buck Penaali off but Penaali is having none of it.
Penaali working away.
Penaali sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but McDonald is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
Check out the look on Penaali's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Penaali tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
Penaali misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Penaali creates some space and throws a big elbow, but McDonald sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Penaali working his ground and pound in the gym. He isn't landing a great percentage of his ground strikes so far though.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Penaali is trying to get an arm triangle but McDonald is defending well.
Penaali working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.

Penaali tries for a kimura but McDonald is defending well.
Penaali lands a few punches from side control.

Penaali looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
The strikes coming from Penaali are missing the target in this wave of attacks.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Penaali tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
Penaali landing a few strikes.
Penaali working the strikes but McDonald uses the opportunity to regain half guard.
Penaali not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Penaali controlling the action here.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Penaali winds up and cracks McDonald with a swinging punch to the side of the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Penaali is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, McDonald has managed to free his arm - good work.
Penaali has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Penaali not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Penaali thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed McDonald's head.
McDonald keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
McDonald blocking the ground and pound attempt from Penaali.
Penaali missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
McDonald keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Penaali working McDonald over with strikes.

Penaali is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, McDonald has managed to free his arm - good work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Penaali throws a big elbow that misses, also allowing McDonald to regain full guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Penaali accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Penaali postures up in McDonald's guard and throws a big left but McDonald blocks it.
Penaali with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
McDonald is trying to control the position but Penaali postures up.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
McDonald keeping moving, preventing Penaali from controlling successfully.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Penaali shoots in but McDonald avoids the takedown attempt easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Arvo Penaali dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Arvo Penaali's cut.
That's time! McDonald's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Nice jab there from Penaali.
Penaali lands a nice looking body shot.
McDonald takes one to the side of the head.
McDonald slaps away a takedown attempt from Penaali, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Penaali throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent McDonald stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Penaali uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
The fighters circling - Penaali throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Penaali blocks a low kick nicely.
McDonald keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Penaali is defended easily by McDonald.
Maurice McDonald has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Arvo Penaali.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McDonald pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Penaali let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Jab from McDonald.
McDonald fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Penaali manages to avoid it.
McDonald keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
McDonald ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
McDonald displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Penaali.

Penaali shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Penaali trying to control but McDonald is working from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Penaali is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McDonald has his hands on Penaali's head, controlling the position.
McDonald keeping full guard, as Penaali tries to pass.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McDonald avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Maurice McDonald is winning the standup battle so far.
McDonald displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Penaali.
Penaali shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. McDonald defends it nicely.
McDonald lands with a good body shot.
Penaali dives in for a single leg takedown but McDonald sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
McDonald appears to be looking for a big counter.
Penaali has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Penaali misses with a jab, cross combination.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McDonald lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Maurice McDonald seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Penaali ducks under a wild hook from McDonald.
McDonald throws a hook to the side of Penaali's head but Penaali sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Penaali misses with a few strikes there.
McDonald takes a swing at Penaali's ribcage but misses.
Arvo Penaali is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Penaali throws a series of strikes that have McDonald backpedaling.
Penaali scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
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!
McDonald misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Penaali cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
McDonald throws a body kick despite being completely out of range

and Penaali counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Penaali is looking to work some ground and pound but McDonald has wrist control.
McDonald controls Penaali momentarily but Penaali frees himself.
Penaali looking to sit in guard and control but McDonald gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Arvo Penaali showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Arvo Penaali's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Penaali catches McDonald with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Penaali just misses with a punch to the body.
McDonald appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
McDonald misses with a body shot
and Penaali counters with a lovely straight right hand!
McDonald looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Penaali lands a nice shot to the body.
Penaali lands a nice hook to McDonald's body. McDonald takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
McDonald thows a leg kick but Penaali checks it
and Penaali counters with a stiff right hand.
McDonald keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
A little feinted left hand from McDonald on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McDonald changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Penaali throws a jab but it's blocked by McDonald.
It looked like McDonald wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Penaali throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around McDonald's waist but McDonald gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Penaali off to one side.
McDonald is looking to counter punch.
Penaali shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. McDonald defends it nicely.
McDonald tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Penaali manages to circle out of the way.
Maurice McDonald has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Arvo Penaali.
McDonald pulls out of a head kick attempt.
A little jabbing left from Penaali on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
McDonald misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Penaali.
McDonald defending well as Penaali loads up on a big left hand.
Penaali closes this distance looking for a takedown but McDonald circles away.
Penaali throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Penaali takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
McDonald takes a swing at Penaali's ribcage but misses.
Penaali looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? McDonald is fending him off so far but Penaali persists. Nope, McDonald circles away and we're back to standing.
McDonald appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Penaali throws a lazy right hand but McDonald sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Penaali throws a shot from downtown. McDonald moves away and avoids it.
McDonald with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Penaali takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Penaali misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
McDonald misses with a body shot
and Penaali counters with a nice uppercut.
Penaali keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Penaali gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Maurice McDonald is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
McDonald throws a sloppy head kick and Penaali moves out of range easily.
A little jabbing left from Penaali on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
McDonald uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Penaali.
McDonald is looking to wear down Penaali with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Penaali misses the jab.
McDonald misses with a low kick.
Penaali throws a hook but McDonald avoids it easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

McDonald gets a clinch.
McDonald lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Penaali is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
McDonald is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Penaali wants a takedown but no success here.
McDonald prevents a takedown attempt there.
McDonald scores with a nice hook to the head.
Penaali takes a shot to the head.

That has opened up Arvo Penaali's cut even more.
Penaali has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. McDonald avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Penaali takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
McDonald wants to stall.
McDonald lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Penaali has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by McDonald after a bit of a struggle.
Penaali has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. McDonald is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McDonald tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Penaali is looking to take this one to the mat.
McDonald lands an uppercut.
McDonald tries to work over Penaali's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Penaali blocking some punches.
McDonald is defending well against a takedown attempt.

McDonald pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Penaali misses with a wild body shot.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
McDonald wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Penaali keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
McDonald tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Penaali was well out of range. Poor timing from McDonald.
McDonald misses with a left hand
and Penaali counters with a one-two to the body.
Penaali throws a body shot but no joy.
Penaali fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
A slow jab from McDonald misses its intended target.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Maurice McDonald clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Arvo Penaali's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

McDonald misses with a few strikes there.
Penaali is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
McDonald takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Penaali comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
McDonald swings and misses with a hook to the body.
McDonald throws a lazy right hand but Penaali sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
McDonald connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Penaali's hands.
Penaali takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Penaali takes a jab right on the kisser.
Penaali swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Penaali scores with a hook to the body. McDonald takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Penaali takes a kick to the side of the head.

Penaali is rocked!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Penaali lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
McDonald ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Penaali moves away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McDonald walks into a jab.
McDonald changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
McDonald with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Penaali scores with a jab. McDonald acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Penaali lands a straight punch to the body, keeping McDonald at a distance.
Penaali misses with a body shot.
McDonald digs a good body shot into Penaali's ribs.
McDonald moves into range and connects with a jab.
McDonald tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Penaali was well out of range. Poor timing from McDonald.
And Penaali tries to counter it with a takedown but McDonald pushes his down on his head and steps out.
McDonald connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Penaali's hands.
Penaali takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Penaali is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
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!
The fighters circling - Penaali throws out the jab but it was never going to land.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A slow jab from McDonald misses its intended target.
Penaali keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Some wild striking there from Penaali.
McDonald throws a quick counter head kick but Penaali was just out of range.
McDonald throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
McDonald lands a leg kick that knocks Penaali off balance momentarily.
Penaali with a poor takedown
and McDonald counters with a slapping leg kick.
McDonald looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Penaali looks to land a right hand but McDonald moved out of range.
McDonald misses the body punch
and Penaali counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
The fighters circling - McDonald throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
McDonald steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Penaali.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McDonald throws a body shot but no joy.
Penaali tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but McDonald defends well and Penaali ends up having to push McDonald into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
As Penaali backs away, McDonald returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
McDonald tries to clinch but fails miserably

and Penaali counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Penaali is looking to work some ground and pound but McDonald has wrist control.
Penaali throwing strikes from guard but McDonald blocks nicely.
McDonald keeping moving, preventing Penaali from controlling successfully.
Penaali slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
McDonald has control of Penaali's left arm, preventing Penaali from doing any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Penaali wants to control from the top but McDonald keeps moving.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Penaali throwing strikes but missing.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
McDonald throws a lazy right hand but Penaali sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Penaali tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but McDonald defends well and Penaali ends up having to push McDonald into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Maurice McDonald has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Arvo Penaali.
McDonald jabs Penaali right on the nose. Penaali blinks but takes it well.

The cut above Arvo Penaali's eye is starting to cause him problems now.
McDonald throws a jab but it's blocked by Penaali.
Penaali fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Maurice McDonald had his way with Arvo Penaali in that round.
The cut man is working on Arvo Penaali's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Penaali digs a good body shot into McDonald's ribs.
McDonald throws a hook but Penaali blocks it.
McDonald lands a right hook to the body.
McDonald chopping away at his opponent's legs.
McDonald misses with a straight right.
McDonald ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Penaali moves away.
McDonald throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Penaali! But no joy.
McDonald throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Penaali looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McDonald is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Penaali.
A swing and a miss from McDonald.
Penaali listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
McDonald looks to land a left hand but Penaali moved out of range nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McDonald keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
A jab from McDonald misses.
McDonald stuffs the takedown.
Penaali scores with a decent looking hook.
Penaali tries for a takedown but McDonald circles away easily
and McDonald counters with a right hand to the body.
Maurice McDonald has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Arvo Penaali.
Penaali is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
McDonald slips a jab and a cross from Penaali.
Penaali tries to bum rush McDonald with a series of wild strikes but McDonald uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Some wild striking there from Penaali.
A slapping leg kick lands for McDonald.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McDonald throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
McDonald lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
McDonald slips under a jab from Penaali.
McDonald throws a head kick that misses
and Penaali cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
McDonald pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Penaali misses with a takedown attempt - McDonald sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
A jab from Penaali does it's job there.
McDonald misses with a head kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McDonald throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Penaali.
McDonald ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Penaali moves away.
Penaali throws a series of punches but McDonald moves out of range.
Penaali throws a combination but it was largely blocked by McDonald.
Penaali looks to land a right hand but McDonald moved out of range.
Penaali changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. McDonald tries to avoid it but Penaali manages to keep hold of a leg and drag McDonald to the ground. McDonald escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
McDonald looking to land some kicks to the body here.
McDonald dodges the punch combination from Penaali.
McDonald is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Penaali scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Penaali throws a series of punches but McDonald moves out of range.
Penaali blocks a head kick by McDonald.
Penaali takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Penaali shoots in but no luck this time.
Penaali shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has McDonald pinned against the cage. McDonald gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
It looked like McDonald was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Penaali.
McDonald throws a lazy right hand but Penaali sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
McDonald cracks Penaali with a good jab.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
McDonald swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Penaali throws a combination but it was largely blocked by McDonald.

And that's the end of the fight!
Maurice McDonald showed his dominance in that final round.
I think McDonald has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight 48:47
Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight 48:47
Judge Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Maurice McDonald!
Maurice McDonald is the new welterweight champion!