PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Kotaro Minamino (ranked 6562 p4p, 5132 weight class) and Teppo Taavitsainen (ranked 549 p4p, 499 weight class). Both fighters really staring each other down here, as Teppo Taavitsainen enters the cage!

Minamino
vs
Taavitsainen

176 cm
18
155
0 - 1 - 0

185 cm
18
160
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
KO power

BJJ White Belt
Basic striking
Tends to cut

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Kotaro Minamino!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Teppo Taavitsainen!
The judges for this bout are Arvi Lind, Ben Zyskovitsi and Marco Blurström.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Taavitsainen scores with a hook to the body. Minamino takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Minamino looks exhausted already! Oh dear, he should have come in in better shape than this!
Taavitsainen scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Taavitsainen digs a good hook to Minamino's body.
Taavitsainen stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
A punch combination from Taavitsainen misses.
Taavitsainen scores with a jab to the jaw.
Minamino looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Taavitsainen lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Minamino walks into a jab.
Taavitsainen lunges at Minamino with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Minamino's hand.
Minamino gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Minamino on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Taavitsainen fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Minamino on the side of the head.
Minamino takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.

Minamino 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.
Minamino slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Taavitsainen is looking to reverse the position.
Taavitsainen is trying to control Minamino's posture but Minamino avoids it.

Minamino is trying to get an arm triangle but Taavitsainen is defending well.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Minamino tries for a kimura but Taavitsainen is defending well.
Taavitsainen is trying to control Minamino's posture but Minamino avoids it.
Taavitsainen tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Minamino wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.

Minamino is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Taavitsainen knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.

Minamino is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Taavitsainen is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.

That's two 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.
Taavitsainen tries to get back to half guard but can't.

Minamino is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Taavitsainen is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Taavitsainen can't do much from the bottom here.
Taavitsainen is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.
Taavitsainen is looking for a sweep.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Taavitsainen is in a bad spot here and he knows it... just holding on for now.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Taavitsainen prevents Minamino from moving into mount.
Taavitsainen is trying to improve his position.

Minamino is trying to get an arm triangle but Taavitsainen is defending well.
Taavitsainen tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Minamino wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Taavitsainen really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Minamino. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Taavitsainen is still trying to improve position.

Minamino is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Taavitsainen knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Taavitsainen tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Taavitsainen can't do much from the bottom here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Teppo Taavitsainen dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Taavitsainen connects with a right hand. Minamino shakes it off.
Minamino takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Taavitsainen lands a jab to the head.
Taavitsainen throws a shot to the body.
Teppo Taavitsainen seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Minamino on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Taavitsainen with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Taavitsainen goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Taavitsainen shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Minamino tries to counter by clinching up but Taavitsainen breaks away and moves out of range.
Taavitsainen misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Minamino has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Minamino there as he acknowledges the shot.

Minamino is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Taavitsainen's half guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Taavitsainen is trying to stand up here but Minamino is controlling him well.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

Minamino is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Taavitsainen is just riding it out for now. Minamino eventually gives up the hold.
Taavitsainen is concentrating on defense, preventing Minamino from advancing position.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Minamino is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Taavitsainen tries to get to full guard but Minamino has control of the leg.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Minamino looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Minamino prevents Taavitsainen from improving his position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Taavitsainen controlling the leg, holding on to half guard.
Taavitsainen is trying to get back to full guard.

Minamino is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Minamino prevents Taavitsainen from standing back up.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Taavitsainen lands a jab to Minamino's midsection.
Taavitsainen lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Taavitsainen scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Taavitsainen throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Minamino stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Teppo Taavitsainen seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Nice straight punches there by Taavitsainen. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Taavitsainen.
Minamino takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Taavitsainen lands a jab to the nose.
Taavitsainen feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Minaminos jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Taavitsainen connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Minamino momentarily.
Taavitsainen has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Taavitsainen throws a shot to the body.
Taavitsainen scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Taavitsainen scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Taavitsainen jabs Minamino right on the nose. Minamino blinks but takes it well.
Taavitsainen lands a right hook to the body.
Taavitsainen's jab looks to have found its range, popping Minamino under the eye.
A jab from Taavitsainen finds it's way through Minamino's defenses.
Minamino looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Taavitsainen lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Minamino at a distance.
Taavitsainen stuns Minamino with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Taavitsainen will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Kotaro Minamino has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Teppo Taavitsainen.
Minamino walks into a jab.
Taavitsainen stuns Minamino with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Taavitsainen scores with a nice head shot.
Minamino takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Taavitsainen lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Minamino backs up against the cage.
The crowd cheers as Taavitsainen lands an impressive looking overhand right. Minamino doesn't seem phased though.
Taavitsainen scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Minamino doesn't seem bothered though.
Minamino has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Taavitsainen finds it's way round the side to connect with Minamino's head.
Taavitsainen bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Minamino's head backwards.
Taavitsainen jabs Minamino right on the nose. Minamino blinks but takes it well.
Taavitsainen connects with a looping right hand.
Taavitsainen connects with a crisp jab.
Taavitsainen scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Taavitsainen with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Minamino takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Taavitsainen scores with a hook to the body. Minamino takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Minamino walks into a jab.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Teppo Taavitsainen showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Minamino's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Minamino ducks right into an uppercut from Taavitsainen.
Minamino keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Taavitsainen goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Taavitsainen uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Taavitsainen scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.

Minamino drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Both fighters take a look at the clock.

Minamino is trying to get an arm triangle but Taavitsainen is defending well.

Minamino is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Taavitsainen is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Taavitsainen struggling a bit here.

Minamino working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Taavitsainen can do anything to dispel that myth.
Taavitsainen is looking to regain half guard here but Minamino keeps moving and retains side control.

Minamino wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Taavitsainen, who protects the arm well.
Taavitsainen is positioning himself to get back to half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.

Minamino working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Taavitsainen tries to buck Minamino off but Minamino is having none of it.
Taavitsainen keeps trying to improve his position.
Taavitsainen wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
Taavitsainen tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Kotaro Minamino overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Minamino is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Taavitsainen has escaped the position, nice work there.
Taavitsainen tries to buck Minamino off but Minamino is having none of it.

Minamino is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Taavitsainen knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Taavitsainen wants to get back to his feet.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Teppo Taavitsainen is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Taavitsainen has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Taavitsainen lands with a cross.
Taavitsainen moves into range and connects with a jab.
Taavitsainen cracks Minamino with a good jab.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Taavitsainen getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Taavitsainen feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Minaminos jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Taavitsainen feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Minaminos jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Taavitsainen throws a good cross that connects.
Taavitsainen fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Minamino looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Taavitsainen misses with a two punch combination.

Taavitsainen gets caught flat footed, as Minamino shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Taavitsainen has his hands on Minamino's head, controlling the position.

Minamino 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.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Minamino stands and throws Taavitsainen's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Kotaro Minamino has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Taavitsainen is looking to regain half guard here but Minamino keeps moving and retains side control.

And that's the end of the fight!
Teppo Taavitsainen comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Taavitsainen winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Arvi Lind scores the fight 27:30
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 27:30
Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Teppo Taavitsainen!