PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Mika Saarenpaa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ricky Ponting (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Saarenpaa
vs
Ponting

183 cm
26
170 lbs
12 - 3 - 0

170 cm
36
160 lbs
26 - 23 - 0

Good wrestling
World class MT
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

GREEN!160
Modern Wear Apparel

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 12 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Mika Saarenpaa!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 26 - 23 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Ricky Ponting!
The judges for this bout are Arvi Lind, Marco Blurström and Matti Vanhoillinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Saarenpaa throws a nice outside leg kick.
Saarenpaa avoids a punch combination nicely.
Saarenpaa throws a nice inside leg kick.
Saarenpaa throws a leg kick but Ponting moved away.
Saarenpaa lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Ponting throws a right and a left that Saarenpaa avoids nicely.
A telegraphed right hand from Ponting misses the target.
Ponting is looking to score with low kicks.
Ponting scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Ricky Ponting seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Ponting blocks the body kick.
Saarenpaa keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Ponting.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A nice leg kick lands there from Saarenpaa.
Ponting shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Saarenpaa defends it nicely.
Ponting throws a sloppy head kick and Saarenpaa moves out of range easily.

Saarenpaa gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ponting pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Saarenpaa is keeping the position for now.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Saarenpaa can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Ponting controls the pace.
Ponting being controlled here momentarily.
Saarenpaa preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Saarenpaa looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Ponting trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Saarenpaa will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Ponting trying to control but Saarenpaa is working from the bottom.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Ponting throws a big shot that misses.
Ponting shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Saarenpaa defends it nicely.
Saarenpaa throws a low kick but it's checked well by Ponting.
Good exchange - Saarenpaa coming out on top.
Ponting scores with a three punch combo!
Saarenpaa lands with a thumping leg kick.
Ponting lands with a nice body punch.
Ponting throws a chopping leg kick but Saarenpaa manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Ponting throws a good cross that connects.
Ponting paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saarenpaa just misses with a punch to the body.
Ponting shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Saarenpaa as he avoids it easily.
Mika Saarenpaa has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ricky Ponting.
Ponting throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Saarenpaa fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Ponting is out of range.
Saarenpaa lands a nice leg kick that just misses Ponting's sensitive parts.
Saarenpaa throws a series of punches but Ponting avoids them all with ease.
Saarenpaa stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Saarenpaa wants it to stay on the feet.
Ponting steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Saarenpaa. That one must have hurt.
Saarenpaa moves away from the strike by Ponting.
Saarenpaa is looking to counter punch.
Ponting misses with a wild combination.
Ponting pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Ponting shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Saarenpaa pinned against the cage. Saarenpaa gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Saarenpaa ducks under a wild hook from Ponting.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Saarenpaa works over Ponting's head and body with a nice combination.
Ponting scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Saarenpaa wants to land a leg kick but Ponting is out of range.
Ponting throws a sloppy head kick and Saarenpaa moves out of range easily.
A telegraphed right hand from Ponting misses the target.
Ponting misses with a few strikes there.
Saarenpaa avoids a punch combination nicely.

Ponting 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.
Saarenpaa tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Ponting trying to control the position from guard on top but Saarenpaa is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Ponting throwing strikes from guard but Saarenpaa blocks nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ricky Ponting dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Ponting misses with a hook. Saarenpaa ducked under it nicely.
It appears Saarenpaa was looking to counter with a kick there.
Saarenpaa tries to clinch but Ponting moves out of range.
Ponting's coach down at Nordic Top Team was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Ponting's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
Saarenpaa bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.

Saarenpaa tries to sprawl but Ponting drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Ponting has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Saarenpaa wants to control but Ponting is keeping busy.
Ponting not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Saarenpaa blocking the ground and pound attempt from Ponting.
Ponting trying to control from half guard but Saarenpaa is working away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ponting thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Ponting is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saarenpaa keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Ponting has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Ponting throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Ponting is trying to control the action in half guard but Saarenpaa is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Ponting throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Ponting throwing shots but Saarenpaa is blocking nicely.
Ponting wants to free his trapped foot but Saarenpaa is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Saarenpaa blocking the ground and pound attempt from Ponting.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Ponting dives in and grabs Saarenpaa's left leg, looking for a takedown. Saarenpaa pushes down on Ponting's head and hops out.
Saarenpaa lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Saarenpaa leaves Ponting with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Saarenpaa keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Ponting.
Ponting throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Saarenpaa sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Ponting tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Saarenpaa was well out of range. Poor timing from Ponting.
Ponting finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Saarenpaa misses with a wild combination.

Ponting drives through with a takedown into guard.
Ponting working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Ponting pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Saarenpaa is keeping the position for now.
Saarenpaa has momentary wrist control but Ponting slips an elbow through the middle.
Saarenpaa keeping moving, preventing Ponting from controlling successfully.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ponting throwing strikes but missing.
Ponting throwing strikes but missing.
Ponting slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Ricky Ponting has got the better of the ground game so far.

Ponting drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Ponting jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Ponting changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Saarenpaa tries to avoid it but Ponting manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Saarenpaa to the ground. Saarenpaa escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Mika Saarenpaa has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ricky Ponting.
Saarenpaa keeps Ponting at a distance using the push kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Saarenpaa uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Ponting has time to react.
Ponting throws a big shot that misses.
Saarenpaa misses with the combination.
Ponting misses with a head kick.
As Ponting tries to get set, Saarenpaa tries to push him back and clinch up but Ponting manages to avoid the attempt.
Ponting misses with a series of wild punches.
Mika Saarenpaa is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Saarenpaa connects with an inside leg kick.
Ponting connects with a looping right hand.
Mika Saarenpaa is winning the standup battle so far.
Ponting scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
A swing and a miss from Ponting.
Ponting's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Ponting checks a leg kick.
Saarenpaa misses with a leg kick.
Ponting swings and misses with a hook to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ricky Ponting showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Saarenpaa's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Saarenpaa dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Ponting. That did some damage!
A slow jab from Ponting misses its intended target.
Ponting throws a hook but Saarenpaa avoids it easily.
Saarenpaa connects with a leg kick. Ponting looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Saarenpaa with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Ponting to score with a decent uppercut.
Ponting scores with a body shot.
The fight stays on the outside here - Saarenpaa looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Ponting throws a shot from downtown. Saarenpaa moves away and avoids it.
Ponting checks the leg kick nicely there.
Saarenpaa bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ponting swinging wildly here.
As Ponting backs away, Saarenpaa returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
A jab from Ponting finds it's way through Saarenpaa's defenses.
Ponting pushing out the jab but it's not landing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saarenpaa throws a looping overhand right but Ponting ducks down to avoid it.
Saarenpaa looking to land some kicks to the body here.
A swing and a miss from Ponting.
Saarenpaa swings for the body but Ponting moves out of range.
Ponting cracks Saarenpaa with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Good leg kick by Saarenpaa there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Ponting scores with a jab to the jaw.
Saarenpaa dodges the punch combination from Ponting.
Saarenpaa throws a counter high kick but Ponting was just alert enough to avoid it.
Ponting misses with a low kick.
Saarenpaa lands a nice leg kick that just misses Ponting's sensitive parts.
Ponting scores with a hook to the body. Saarenpaa takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Ponting lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Ponting tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Saarenpaa defends well and Ponting ends up having to push Saarenpaa into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Ponting throws a good cross that connects.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ponting lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A slapping leg kick lands for Saarenpaa.
Saarenpaa throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Ponting scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Ponting takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Ponting scores with a jab. Saarenpaa acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Saarenpaa lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Ponting bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Ponting changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Saarenpaa tries to avoid it but Ponting manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Saarenpaa to the ground. Saarenpaa escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Saarenpaa throws a half hearted mid kick.
Saarenpaa misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Ponting.
Ponting only half commits to the counter leg kick.
Ponting connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Ponting shoots in for a takedown but Saarenpaa shows good takedown defense.
Mika Saarenpaa has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ricky Ponting.
Ponting tests Saarenpaa's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Saarenpaa. Ponting shrugs it off though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saarenpaa buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Saarenpaa goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Saarenpaa checks a leg kick.
Saarenpaa pivots, looking for a leg kick but Ponting is out of range and Saarenpaa settles back down.
Saarenpaa scores with a nice right hand.
Saarenpaa ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Ponting moves away.
Ponting throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Saarenpaa appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Saarenpaa fails in his attempt to clinch.
Saarenpaa backing away here, and Ponting unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
Ponting shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Good exchange - Ponting coming out on top.
Ponting throws a head kick that misses.
Ponting throws a leg kick
and Saarenpaa counters with a solid body kick.
Saarenpaa turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Saarenpaa throws a nice outside leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ponting misses the jab.
Saarenpaa throws a low kick but it's checked well by Ponting.
Ponting throws an off balance right hand
enabling Saarenpaa to counter with a crisp jab.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Saarenpaa attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Ponting swings for the body but Saarenpaa moves out of range.
Saarenpaa walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Ponting checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Ponting misses with an uppercut.
As Ponting backs away, Saarenpaa returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Saarenpaa walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Ponting checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Ponting throws the left hand but Saarenpaa avoids the punch easily.
A nice inside leg kick there by Saarenpaa. That's going to slow Ponting down.
Nice body kick from Saarenpaa.
Saarenpaa tries to clinch there but Ponting circles away.
Ponting fails with a takedown attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Ricky Ponting just about did enough to take it.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Ponting tests Saarenpaa's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Saarenpaa ducks under a wild hook from Ponting.
As Ponting backs away, Saarenpaa returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Saarenpaa throws a push kick but Ponting slaps the foot to one side.
Ponting shoots in for a takedown but Saarenpaa shows good takedown defense.
A counter left hand to the body from Saarenpaa misses its target.
Ponting wants to slow Saarenpaa down by chopping away at his legs.
Saarenpaa throwing a counter right hand but Ponting manages to avoid it.
Ponting misses with a head kick.
Ponting throws an overhand right that lands on Saarenpaa's shoulder, as Saarenpaa tries to avoid the shot.
Saarenpaa is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Saarenpaa tries to clinch up.
And Ponting tries to counter it with a takedown but Saarenpaa pushes his down on his head and steps out.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Saarenpaa. Ponting shrugs it off though.
Saarenpaa misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Ponting.
Ponting misses with a straight left.
Ponting misses with a takedown attempt - Saarenpaa sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saarenpaa scores with a jab.
Saarenpaa scores with a jab to the body.
Ponting throws a hook but Saarenpaa blocks it.
Ponting looks to score with a jab to the body but Saarenpaa is just out of range.
A slapping leg kick lands for Saarenpaa.
Saarenpaa uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Ponting.
Saarenpaa doesn't manage to clinch there - Ponting circles away.
Ponting looks to land a right hand but Saarenpaa moved out of range.
Saarenpaa moves forwards but Ponting connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Ponting lands with a straight right. Saarenpaa didn't see that one coming.
Saarenpaa checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Saarenpaa slips a jab from Ponting.
Saarenpaa moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Saarenpaa keeps Ponting at a distance using the push kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ponting tries to score with a low kick but Saarenpaa moves his leg out of the way.
A head kick misses from Saarenpaa.
Ponting misses with a body shot.
Ponting has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Saarenpaa.
Ponting takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Saarenpaa uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Ponting.
Ponting throws a nice looking combination but Saarenpaa bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Good work by Ponting as he checks the leg kick.
Saarenpaa tries to clinch but Ponting is having none of it.
Jab by Ponting.
Saarenpaa misses with an attempted mid kick.
Ponting rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Saarenpaa moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Saarenpaa throws a big counter combination but Ponting scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Saarenpaa feints and then cracks Ponting's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Ponting down.
A punch lands to the side of Saarenpaa 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Ponting throws an overhand right that lands on Saarenpaa's shoulder, as Saarenpaa tries to avoid the shot.
Saarenpaa tries to close the distance and clinch but Ponting swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ponting ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Saarenpaa blocks a low kick nicely.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Ponting is defended easily by Saarenpaa.
Saarenpaa thinks about countering with a body kick.
Mika Saarenpaa has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ricky Ponting.

Ponting is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Saarenpaa's half guard.
Saarenpaa is controlling Ponting's trapped leg to prevent Ponting from advancing to side control.
Ponting looks to land a strike but Saarenpaa avoids it nicely and regains full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ponting throws a big right hand that misses.
Ponting looking to sit in guard and control but Saarenpaa gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Ponting has control of Saarenpaa's left arm, preventing Saarenpaa from doing any damage.

Saarenpaa got a little sloppy there for a moment and Ponting has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Saarenpaa has managed to get both his arms back between Ponting's legs - danger averted.
Saarenpaa wants to pass the guard but Ponting is keeping the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Ricky Ponting will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Ponting throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Ponting tries a head kick but it misses.
As Ponting tries to get set, Saarenpaa tries to push him back and clinch up but Ponting manages to avoid the attempt.
Saarenpaa will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Saarenpaa misses with a looping left.
Saarenpaa moves away from the strike by Ponting.
Saarenpaa smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Saarenpaa uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Ponting.
Saarenpaa tries to land a front kick but Ponting steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Ponting throws a shot from downtown. Saarenpaa moves away and avoids it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ponting avoids a kick to the body.
Ponting feints a counter leg kick.
Ponting throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Saarenpaa sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Ponting misses with a straight left.
Ponting throws a shot from downtown. Saarenpaa moves away and avoids it.
Ponting misses with an uppercut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saarenpaa moves out of range of the strikes.
Donk. Ponting catches Saarenpaa right on the button with a cross.
Ponting fails with a takedown attempt.
Ponting misses with a looping right.
Saarenpaa is looking to counter punch.
Ponting takes one on the button.
Ponting moves out of range of the body kick.
Saarenpaa pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Ponting looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Ponting connects with a looping right hand.
Ponting fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Saarenpaa cracks the inside of Ponting's front leg.
Ponting misses with an uppercut
and Saarenpaa counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Saarenpaa avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Saarenpaa drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Ponting misses with a combination
and Saarenpaa counters with a slapping leg kick.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Ponting scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Saarenpaa ducks under a wild hook from Ponting.
Saarenpaa tries to close the distance and clinch but Ponting swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Ponting takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Ponting checks a leg kick.
Ponting throws an overhand right that lands on Saarenpaa's shoulder, as Saarenpaa tries to avoid the shot.
Saarenpaa throws a nice outside leg kick.
Ponting swings for the body but Saarenpaa moves out of range.
Ponting tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Ponting takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ponting throws a series of punches but Saarenpaa moves out of range.
Saarenpaa lands with a shot to the body.
Ponting takes a swing at Saarenpaa's ribcage but misses.
Nice defenses there by Saarenpaa.
Saarenpaa fires out a quick counter leg kick but Ponting just manages to avoid it.
Saarenpaa looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Mika Saarenpaa has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Ponting rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Saarenpaa moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Saarenpaa misses with a combination
enabling Ponting to counter with a crisp jab.
Ponting thows a left - swing and a miss!
Ponting misses with a hook. Saarenpaa ducked under it nicely.
Saarenpaa throws a body kick that misses.
Ponting digs a good body shot into Saarenpaa's ribs.
Ponting will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Saarenpaa feinted there with a counter leg kick.
Ponting shoots in looking for a takedown. Saarenpaa tries to sprawl out of it but Ponting keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Saarenpaa manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Mika Saarenpaa has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ricky Ponting.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Saarenpaa throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Saarenpaa looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Ponting swinging wildly here.
Saarenpaa checks a leg kick nicely.
Saarenpaa throws a body shot but no joy.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Saarenpaa tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Ponting manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
A head kick misses from Ponting.
A slow jab from Ponting misses its intended target.
Ponting misses the shot to the body.
Ponting throws an off balance right hand
and Saarenpaa connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Ponting takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Ricky Ponting.
Well Ponting 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 Arvi Lind scores the fight 45:50
Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight 45:50
Judge Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight 45:50

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