PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Arnolf Karstark (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mario Barontini (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Barontini has chosen Ride of the Valkyries as his entrance music. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Karstark
vs
Barontini

187 cm
27
163 lbs
13 - 8 - 0

177 cm
25
170 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

Decent wrestler
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

Decent wrestler
Decent boxing
Experienced

Vikai Gear

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 13 - 8 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Arnolf Karstark!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Mario Barontini!
The judges for this bout are Santiago Holmes, Peter Branson and Daniel Franklin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Karstark displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Barontini throws out the jab.

Karstark shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Barontini manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Barontini is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Barontini wants to sweep here but Karstark controlling him for the moment.
Barontini trying to control the position.
Karstark has improved his flexibility recently so we will have to see if he can use that to his advantage.
Karstark chips away with some ground and pound.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Karstark lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Barontini really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Karstark. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Karstark wants to control from the top but Barontini keeps moving.
Barontini looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Karstark is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Karstark trying to control but Barontini is working from the bottom.
Barontini looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Karstark wants to control from the top but Barontini keeps moving.
Karstark lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Barontini keeping moving, preventing Karstark from controlling successfully.
Barontini is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Barontini holds on and takes a little breather.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Karstark throws a nice looking combination but Barontini bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Karstark misses with a body punch
and Barontini counters with a straight right hand.
Karstark moves out of range as Barontini strikes.
A little feinted left hand from Karstark on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Karstark goes for a double leg but Barontini avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Barontini continues to drive forward.
Karstark throws a lazy right hand but Barontini sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Barontini jabs at Karstark's body.
Jab, jab by Karstark - just one landing.
Karstark jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Karstark circles away from the clinch attempt.

Barontini lands a left and a right that send Karstark crashing to the mat, dazed. Barontini thinks about following him to the mat but decides to wave him back up to his feet!

Karstark is rocked!
Barontini misses with a jab, cross combination.
Oh Karstark is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Barontini lands with a massive overhand right! Stick a fork in Karstark - he's out cold! Ermm... I think I just mixed my metaphors but yeah... That was a nice KO! Big win for Barontini!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:49 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Mario Barontini!
A relieved looking Mario Barontini thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.
Arnolf Karstark was interviewed post fight and said 'Good fight man'.