PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Chiyono Fuji (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Keijo Virtanen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Virtanen has chosen Maamme Laulu as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Keijo Virtanen has the eye of the tiger tonight.

Fuji
vs
Virtanen

180 cm
28
239 lbs
12 - 6 - 0

188 cm
28
250 lbs
12 - 5 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Powerful takedowns
Counter fighter
Fast

Spartan Nutrition
Voodoo Nutrition

Spartan Nutrition

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 6 - 0, fighting out of New York, Chiyono Fuji!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 5 - 0, fighting out of London, Keijo Virtanen!
The judges for this bout are Paul Tew, Chris Edwards and James Ackerman.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Virtanen throws a body punch but Fuji moves out of range.
Virtanen misses with a hook to the body
and Fuji counters with a right hand to the body.
A chopping leg kick lands by Fuji.
Virtanen takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Fuji throws a shot from downtown. Virtanen moves away and avoids it.
Chiyono Fuji seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Fuji throws a shot to the body.
Fuji lands a jab to Virtanen's midsection.
Virtanen throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Virtanen just misses with a punch to the body.
Fuji connects with a jab.
Virtanen misses with a shot to the body
and Virtanen takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Virtanen checks the leg kick.
Fuji works Virtanen's body with a nice hook.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Fuji cracks a nice hook into Virtanen's ribs.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Virtanen throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Virtanen's jab looks to have found its range, popping Fuji under the eye.
Fuji connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Fuji tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Virtanen was well out of range. Poor timing from Fuji.
Fuji throws a predictable looking body shot

and Virtanen counters with a shoot takedown. Fuji fights it but they end up in guard.

Virtanen is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Fuji knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Virtanen on the ground.
Virtanen trying to control the position from guard on top but Fuji is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Fuji on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Fuji tries to get out of the position.
Fuji wants to sweep but no luck.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Virtanen being controlled here momentarily.
Virtanen passes Fuji's right leg, so he's now in half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Virtanen is trying to work for a kimura but Fuji is defending well.

Virtanen is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Fuji defends it well.
Fuji has his hands clasped together around Virtanen's back. He's all about the action.
Fuji is in a tricky position. We've heard reports from his gym mates at The Highland Gym that he's been drilling escapes, so let's see if he can get back to his feet.
Virtanen wants to control but Fuji is keeping him busy.
Fuji wants to get back to full guard.
Fuji regains full guard. Nicely done.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Virtanen won't allow Fuji to sweep him here.
Virtanen pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Fuji is keeping the position for now.
Virtanen is still trying to improve position.
Virtanen looking to sit in guard and control but Fuji gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Virtanen looking for a guillotine here but Fuji defends easily.

Virtanen throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Fuji tries to free his leg and advance position but Virtanen is retaining full guard.

That's four 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.
Fuji 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.

Virtanen pushes a forearm under Fuji's chin to create some space. He's escaped his hips and pivoted quickly for an armbar! Can he extend the arm? Yes, Fuji is tapping out! Damn, that was fast!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:33 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Keijo Virtanen!
During a confident post fight interview, Keijo Virtanen thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.