PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Api Upontehdas (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Heikki Knihti (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Api Upontehdas has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.

Upontehdas
vs
Knihti

190 cm
18
190 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

175 cm
18
185 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Api Upontehdas!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Heikki Knihti!
The judges for this bout are Roosa Järviläinen, Matti Vanhoillinen and Ben Zyskovitsi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Knihti closes the distance and clinches up with Upontehdas, looking for a takedown. Knihti pushes Upontehdas against the cage but Upontehdas circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Knihti tries to score a power double leg takedown but Upontehdas sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Knihti somewhat.
Upontehdas throws a solid leg kick but Knihti takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Upontehdas.
Knihti shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Upontehdas sprawls well. Upontehdas wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Knihti gets slowly back to his feet.
Api Upontehdas has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Heikki Knihti.
Knihti fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Knihti shoots in for a takedown but Upontehdas shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.

Knihti shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Knihti showed some decent athleticism there.
Upontehdas has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Knihti is working away from the top position though.

Knihti seems to be working for a kimura but Upontehdas defends the submission attempt.
Knihti looks gassed!
Upontehdas has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Knihti is working away from the top position though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Upontehdas pushes Knihti off looking to stand but Knihti dives back in and keeps control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Upontehdas is trying to control but can't.

Knihti is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Upontehdas won't allow Knihti to pass to mount.
Upontehdas tries to roll over but Knihti keeps him under control.
Knihti lands strikes from half guard.

Knihti wants to work for an arm triangle but Upontehdas is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

Knihti is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Knihti is working for a submission of some sort.
Upontehdas is looking to control Knihti's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Upontehdas avoid being mounted?

Knihti is working for a submission of some sort.
Knihti throwing shots but Upontehdas is blocking nicely.
Upontehdas is trying to maintain the position but Knihti is very close to passing his half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Upontehdas with a lazy takedown attempt

and Knihti counters with a shoot takedown. Upontehdas fights it but they end up in guard.

Knihti thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Upontehdas tries to land a sweep but no joy.

Knihti 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.

Knihti drops back looking for a leg! Upontehdas is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Upontehdas manages to kick Knihti off! Knihti jumps back into Upontehdas's guard.

Knihti drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Knihti jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Upontehdas keeping moving, preventing Knihti from controlling successfully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Upontehdas trying to keep a closed guard but Knihti is proving a slippery customer.
Knihti stands and throws Upontehdas's legs to the side, diving into side control.

Knihti has hold of Upontehdas's arm. He's looking for a kimura. Upontehdas seems comfortable defending it but Knihti has shifted his position slighty and is cranking on the arm! Upontehdas is real pain and he's forced to tap out! Upontehdas is disgusted with himself for not defending it better but Knihti couldn't care less - he's delighted!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:34 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Heikki Knihti!