PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Manu Ahonen (ranked 3779 p4p, 3028 weight class) and Renato Laranja (ranked 497 p4p, 430 weight class). Laranja has chosen Sepultura - The Hunt as his entrance music. The atmosphere really building for this one as we go over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Ahonen
vs
Laranja

182 cm
38
170
17 - 15 - 0

178 cm
27
177
4 - 8 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Granite chin

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 17 - 15 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Manu Ahonen!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 8 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Renato Laranja!
The judges for this bout are Don Winkell, Timothy Bukovac and Frank Antenori.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ahonen displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Laranja throws out the jab.
Renato Laranja seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Laranja takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Laranja scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Ahonen misses with a wild body shot.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Laranja! But no joy.
Laranja takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Laranja lands with an overhand left.
Ahonen thows a left - swing and a miss!
Laranja smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Ahonen scores with a kick to the midsection.
Laranja takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Ahonen scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Ahonen throws a hook but Laranja blocks it.
Laranja waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Ahonen.
Ahonen slips a straight right by Laranja.
A little feinted left hand from Ahonen on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Laranja misses with a lunging right hand
and Ahonen counters with a leg kick.
Laranja loads up on a big right hand but Ahonen slips the punch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Laranja lands a lovely overhand right.
Laranja closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Good exchange - Laranja coming out on top.
Ahonen throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Jab by Ahonen.
Ahonen misses the shot to the body.
Laranja scores with a jab to the body.
Renato Laranja is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Ahonen keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Laranja.
Ahonen misses with a looping right.
Ahonen blocks a jab.
Ahonen is looking to counter punch.
Ahonen moves out of range of the strikes.
Ahonen tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Laranja was well out of range. Poor timing from Ahonen.
Laranja looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Ahonen lands with a hook. Laranja tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
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!
Ahonen displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Laranja throws out the jab.
Laranja throws the left hand but Ahonen avoids the punch easily.
Laranja throws an overhand right that lands on Ahonen's shoulder, as Ahonen tries to avoid the shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Laranja misses with a left hand
and Ahonen counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Ahonen slips a jab from Laranja.
Ahonen slips a jab from Laranja.
Laranja scores with the left hand. Ahonen knows he should have avoided that one.
Laranja missing with a left hand there. Ahonen was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Ahonen connects with a body shot that sends Laranja's belly button to the back.
Ahonen connects with a solid leg kick.
Laranja might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Laranja keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
A little jabbing left from Laranja on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Ahonen throws a head kick but Laranja moves out of range.
Ahonen lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Laranja backs up against the cage.
Laranja misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Ahonen counters with an outside leg kick.
A left and a right from Ahonen both land. Nice combination.
Laranja throws a body shot but no joy.
Laranja takes a swing at Ahonen's ribcage but misses.
Ahonen drops down looking for a counter takedown but Laranja sprawls and moves away.
Ahonen scores with a sloppy right hand. Laranja should have avoided that one.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ahonen fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Good work by Ahonen as he checks the leg kick.
Laranja tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Laranja uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
A big left from Laranja misses.
Ahonen slips a jab from Laranja.
Laranja misses with a left hand
and Ahonen counters with a straight right hand.
Ahonen pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Ahonen moves out of range of the strikes.
Ahonen throwing a counter right hand but Laranja manages to avoid it.
Laranja throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Ahonen appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Ahonen throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Ahonen doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Laranja smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Ahonen avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Laranja is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Ahonen had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into pâté.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ahonen ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Laranja lands with a nice body punch.
Ahonen cracks Laranja with a right hand to the side of the head.
Laranja throws out a loose jab but Ahonen uses good head movement to avoid it.
Ahonen misses the body punch
and Laranja counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Laranja looks to land a left hand but Ahonen moved out of range nicely.
Ahonen swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Ahonen attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Ahonen throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Laranja's waist but Laranja gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Ahonen off to one side.
Ahonen throws an overhand right that lands on Laranja's shoulder, as Laranja tries to avoid the shot.
Ahonen misses with a wild body shot.
It seemed like Laranja was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Ahonen throws a body punch but Laranja moves out of range.
Ahonen throws the left hand but Laranja avoids the punch easily.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Laranja keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Ahonen closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Laranja has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.
Laranja ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Manu Ahonen will probably get the nod.
That's time! Ahonen's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Laranja throws a shot from downtown. Ahonen moves away and avoids it.
Laranja missing with a left hand there. Ahonen was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Laranja looks to land a left hand but Ahonen moved out of range nicely.
Ahonen swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Ahonen drops his hands momentarily and Laranja takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Ahonen comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Ahonen moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Laranja throws a body punch but Ahonen moves out of range.
Ahonen moves out of range of the strikes.
Laranja uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Ahonen.
Ahonen's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Ahonen duly obliges.
A swing and a miss from Laranja.
Ahonen swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Laranja steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Ahonen.
Laranja misses the jab.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Ahonen ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Ahonen went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Laranja swings widly with a right hand
letting Ahonen counter with a right hand.
Ahonen shoots in for a takedown but Laranja shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Ahonen bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Laranja keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Ahonen.
Ahonen ducks under a wild hook from Laranja.
Ahonen throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Laranja doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.

Ahonen shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Laranja wants to control but Ahonen is keeping busy.
Laranja tries to roll over but Ahonen keeps him under control.
Ahonen is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Laranja can do to turn this around?
Ahonen not landing any meaningful shots this time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Laranja trying to hold on to Ahonen's head to control him but Ahonen postures up.
Ahonen seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Ahonen is keen to just control but Laranja is a slippery customer.
Laranja makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Laranja.
Laranja keeping moving, preventing Ahonen from controlling successfully.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ahonen throws a big right hand that misses.
Laranja is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Ahonen in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Laranja working a defensive guard here.
Ahonen slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Laranja taking a bit of punishment here - Ahonen scoring with strikes.
Laranja tries to bench press Ahonen off him but Ahonen keeps the position.
Ahonen lands a nice forearm strike.
A bit of a lull in the action. I'm sure it will pick up again soon... even if the ref has to physically pick them up and put them back on their feet.
You can see the frustration on Laranja's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Laranja takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
Ahonen trying to control the action but Laranja is working from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ahonen working away.
Ahonen in side control lands a decent elbow.
Laranja tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Ahonen lands a decent elbow from side control.
Ahonen working the body and head with strikes.
Ahonen working away.
Ahonen gets to mount! Laranja was on the offensive and wasn't defending properly.
We've been hearing good reports from Ahonen's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
Laranja slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Laranja slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Manu Ahonen dominated that second round.
That's time! Ahonen's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Laranja misses the jab.
It appears Ahonen was looking to counter with a kick there.
Laranja misses with a hook. Ahonen ducked under it nicely.
Ahonen throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Manu Ahonen is winning the standup battle so far.
Ahonen uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Laranja.
Ahonen fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Laranja on the side of the head.
Ahonen fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Laranja avoids it really well and circles away.
Laranja lands a jab to Ahonen's midsection.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ahonen defending well as Laranja loads up on a big left hand.
Ahonen moves away from the strike by Laranja.
Ahonen seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
A shot to the body from Laranja misses
and Ahonen counters with an inside leg kick.
Laranja on the wrong end of a nice hook.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ahonen lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Laranja misses the shot to the body.
Ahonen throws a big counter combination but Laranja scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Ahonen changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Laranja tries to avoid it but Ahonen manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Laranja to the ground. Laranja escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Laranja looks to land a right hand but Ahonen moved out of range.
Ahonen slips under a jab.
Laranja closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Laranja cracks Ahonen with a good jab.
Ahonen keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Laranja.
Laranja throws an off balance right hand
and Ahonen counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Laranja misses with a right hand
and Ahonen counters with a stiff right hand.
Laranja moves forwards but Ahonen connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Laranja has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Laranja there as he acknowledges the shot.
Ahonen ducks under a wild hook from Laranja.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Ahonen goes for a double leg but Laranja avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Laranja continues to drive forward.
Laranja feints the counter takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Manu Ahonen. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Laranja checks a leg kick.
Laranja takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Ahonen throws a body shot but no joy.
Laranja looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Ahonen uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Laranja.
Laranja scores with a sloppy right hand. Ahonen should have avoided that one.
Ahonen thuds a left hand into Laranja's body.
No luck for Ahonen with that takedown attempt.
A countering left hand to the body from Laranja misses.
Ahonen steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Laranja.
Ahonen swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Laranja fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Ahonen manages to avoid it.
Laranja paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
A punch lands to the side of Ahonen 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Ahonen ducks right into an uppercut from Laranja.
Ahonen just misses with a punch to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jab by Ahonen.
Ahonen throws a head kick but Laranja moves out of range.
Laranja has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Laranja dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Laranja thows a left - swing and a miss!
Laranja looks to score with a jab to the body but Ahonen is just out of range.
Ahonen misses with a takedown attempt - Laranja sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Manu Ahonen is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Laranja throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Ahonen avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Laranja swings for the body but Ahonen moves out of range.
Laranja fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Ahonen manages to avoid it.
Laranja takes a swing at Ahonen's ribcage but misses.
Laranja thows a left - swing and a miss!
Laranja ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Ahonen moves away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Ahonen closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Ahonen sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Laranja is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Laranja is looking to reverse the position.
Ahonen has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Ahonen landing strikes.
Laranja is looking for a sweep.

Ahonen has had enough of the ground for now and decides to stand.
Renato Laranja has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Laranja throws the left hand but Ahonen avoids the punch easily.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Manu Ahonen.
Well Ahonen has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Don Winkell scores the fight 30:27
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 30:27
Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Manu Ahonen!