PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Antti Isotalo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Anderson Minard (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Isotalo might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Battle Metal by Turisas. The crowd seem to be enjoying Minard's choice of entrance music: I Against I. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Isotalo
vs
Minard

200 cm
22
205 lbs
12 - 3 - 1

182 cm
21
210 lbs
6 - 5 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Very strong

BJJ Purple Belt
Good kicks
Powerful

5th Round

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 3 - 1, fighting out of Tokyo, Antti Isotalo!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Anderson Minard!
The judges for this bout are Shirou Masuda, Shigeki Fujiwara and Yukihiro Shimada.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Minard throws out a loose jab but Isotalo uses good head movement to avoid it.
Minard is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Isotalo.
Isotalo tries to bum rush Minard with a series of wild strikes but Minard uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Minard misses with a straight right.
Isotalo fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Isotalo defending well as Minard loads up on a big left hand.
Isotalo throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Minard is looking to clinch.
Isotalo moves out of range of the leg kick from Minard.
Minard misses with a wild body shot.
Isotalo lands with a right hand.
Isotalo fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Minard looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Isotalo slips under a jab.
A shot to the body from Isotalo misses
letting Minard counter with a right hand.
A lazy left from Minard finds it's target.
Isotalo pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Isotalo connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Minard momentarily.
Isotalo swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Minard.
Isotalo lands a nice shot that snaps Minard's head back.
Isotalo uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Minard.
Minard misses with a straight left.
Minard throws a shot from downtown. Isotalo moves away and avoids it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Isotalo slips under a jab.
Minard looks to land a left hand but Isotalo moved out of range nicely.
Isotalo dips to his left and cracks Minard with an uppercut!
Isotalo defending well as Minard loads up on a big left hand.
Isotalo throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Minard stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Isotalo stalks Minard and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Minard's face. Minard staggers backwards, shaken.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Isotalo ducks under a wild hook from Minard.

Minard gets caught flat footed, as Isotalo shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.

Isotalo drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Minard manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Isotalo has Minard in his guard.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Isotalo will have to put a bit more behind his punches if he's going to do any damage from this position.
Isotalo tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Isotalo trying to strike off his back.
Minard missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Isotalo keeping moving, preventing Minard from controlling successfully.
Isotalo wants to sweep but no luck.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Minard postures up in Isotalo's guard and throws a big left but Isotalo blocks it.
Minard trying to control the position from guard on top but Isotalo is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Minard works the jab nicely.
Minard throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Minard 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.
Isotalo shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Minard defends it nicely.
Isotalo fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Minard dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Isotalo. That did some damage!
Isotalo misses with a few strikes there.
Minard misses with a head kick.
Isotalo throws a hook but Minard avoids it easily.
Minard swings for the body but Isotalo moves out of range.
The fighters circling - Isotalo throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Minard loads up on a big right hand but Isotalo slips the punch.
A big left from Minard misses.

Minard has managed to clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Minard lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Isotalo's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Minard throws an elbow but it's blocked.

Minard pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Minard fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Minard missing with a left hand there. Isotalo was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Isotalo misses with a jab, cross combination.

Isotalo drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Isotalo thows a big elbow that misses.

Minard is looking for a triangle but Isotalo pushes his legs off easily.
Minard looking to control.
Minard keeping moving, preventing Isotalo from controlling successfully.
Minard has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Minard manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Isotalo manages to get himself to full guard.
Isotalo avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Minard pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Isotalo is keeping the position for now.
Minard won't allow Isotalo to sweep him here.

Isotalo is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Minard wants to control from the top but Isotalo keeps moving.
Minard throws a big right hand that misses.
Isotalo not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

Isotalo had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Minard defends it easily.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Minard thows a left - swing and a miss!
Minard connects with a right hand. Isotalo shakes it off.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Anderson Minard dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the ring so we can get back down to business.

Isotalo misses with a kick to the body
and Minard counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Donk. Minard catches Isotalo right on the button with a cross.
Minard ducks under a wild hook from Isotalo.
Isotalo is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Minard keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Isotalo misses with a wild combination.
Isotalo throws a head kick but Minard moves out of range.
Minard scores with a jab.
Isotalo moves out of range as Minard strikes.
Minard cracks the inside of Isotalo's front leg.
Minard defending well as Isotalo loads up on a big left hand.
Isotalo throws a sloppy head kick and Minard moves out of range easily.
Isotalo comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Isotalo takes one to the chin there.
Isotalo throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Minard.
Nice shot by Isotalo.

Minard closes the distance and clinches.
Isotalo on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Isotalo is trying to force a seperation but Minard has the dominant position.
Minard presses Isotalo against the ropes and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
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!
Isotalo has had enough of the clinch but Minard keeps him there for the moment.
Minard scores a nice knee to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Minard's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Minard with an attempt at a knee that misses.
A right hand to the body from Minard.
Minard lands an elbow inside.
Minard landing knees to the head.
Minard lands a knee to the head.
Minard lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Isotalo takes an elbow to the forehead.
Minard lands an elbow inside.
Minard crunches a lovely knee into Isotalo's ribcage.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Minard obliges.
Minard landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Minard lands an elbow that stopped Isotalo in his tracks for a moment.
Minard utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Isotalo takes an elbow to the forehead.
Minard tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Minard lands a damaging elbow.
Minard creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Isotalo's defenses.
Isotalo is looking to break free of the clinch but Minard has double underhooks.
Isotalo blocks an elbow strike.
Minard pushes Isotalo back against the ropes and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Minard comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Minard prevents Isotalo from breaking the clinch.
Isotalo wants to break free but Minard has control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Minard comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Minard using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Isotalo has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Minard misses with a knee to the head.
Isotalo wants to break the clinch but can't.
Minard is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the ropes.

Isotalo manages to break the clinch.
Anderson Minard is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Minard lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Isotalo lands with a straight right. Minard didn't see that one coming.
Isotalo fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Minard looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Isotalo misses with a jab, cross combination.
Isotalo misses with a shot to the body
and Minard counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Minard throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Antti Isotalo is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Isotalo throws a push kick but Minard slaps the foot to one side.
Minard takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Isotalo moves away from the strike by Minard.

Isotalo shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Oh and he's advanced to full mount straight away.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Isotalo thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.
Isotalo looking to finish Minard with some ground and pound. This is bad for Minard!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Isotalo looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.
Minard holding onto his opponent's waist for dear life, as Isotalo tries to land some strikes to get him to release his grip.

Isotalo goes for an armbar but he's fallen flat on his backside there and now Minard is on top in guard.
Minard controls from within his opponent's guard.
Isotalo keeping moving, preventing Minard from controlling successfully.
Minard stays in close to Isotalo's body and controls the position.
Minard trying to control but Isotalo is working from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.

Isotalo throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

Isotalo looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Minard looking to pass the guard.
Isotalo is trying to control the position but Minard postures up.

Isotalo throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Minard passes easily into side control. Nice work.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Anderson Minard showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Nice body punch from Minard.
Minard missing with a left hand there. Isotalo was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Minard moves out of range of the strikes.
Isotalo moves away from the strike by Minard.
Anderson Minard seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Minard lands a nice shot to the body.
Isotalo on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Isotalo closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Isotalo defending well as Minard loads up on a big left hand.
Minard looks to land a left hand but Isotalo moved out of range nicely.
Minard cracks the inside of Isotalo's front leg.

Isotalo tries to keep at a distance but Minard has taken the fight into the clinch.
Minard putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Isotalo in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.

Minard's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Minard misses with a looping left.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Minard connects with a body shot.
Minard tries a head kick but it misses.
Isotalo ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Minard uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Isotalo.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Minard scores with a jab. Isotalo acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Isotalo avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Minard tries to clinch up.
A head kick misses from Minard.
Decent striking displayed by Minard there.
Minard connects with a right hand. Isotalo shakes it off.
Isotalo avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Minard connects with a nice looking jab.

Minard clinches up against the ropes.
Minard blocks an uppercut.
Minard blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Isotalo changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Minard fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Minard has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Minard scores with a push kick.
Minard connects with a high kick.
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!
Good shot there by Minard.
Minard looks to land a right hand but Isotalo moved out of range.
A head kick misses from Minard.
Antti Isotalo has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A nice leg kick lands there from Minard.
Nice body punch from Minard.
Minard avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Isotalo slips a jab from Minard.
Minard tries a head kick but it misses.
Isotalo shoots in and drives through. Minard sprawls well.
Minard lands with a nice combination. Isotalo backs away looking to recover.
Minard cracks Isotalo with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Minard connects with a right hand. Isotalo shakes it off.
Minard cracks the inside of Isotalo's front leg.
Minard lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Minard thows a body shot but no joy.
Minard pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Isotalo!
Isotalo uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Minard.
Isotalo misses with a combination
and Minard counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Minard dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Isotalo. That did some damage!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Minard throws a combination. Isotalo tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Minard lands a nice hook to Isotalo's body. Isotalo takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Minard throws a lazy right hand but Isotalo sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Minard swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Minard lands the left hand.
Minard swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Isotalo staying out of range there.
Minard pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Minard throws a head kick but Isotalo moves out of range.
Minard is looking to slow Isotalo down with leg kicks.
Minard throws a right and a left that both miss.
Minard throws a jab but it's blocked by Isotalo.
Minard misses with an uppercut. Isotalo saw that one coming.
Isotalo uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Minard.
A jab from Minard misses.
Isotalo misses with the combination.
Minard dodges the punch combination from Isotalo.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Isotalo drives through with a takedown into guard.
Isotalo preventing the sweep.
Isotalo loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Isotalo keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Minard's head.
Isotalo wants to pass the guard but Minard is keeping the position.

Isotalo avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Isotalo missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Anderson Minard comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Minard 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 Shirou Masuda scores the fight 26:30
Judge Shigeki Fujiwara scores the fight 26:30
Judge Yukihiro Shimada scores the fight 26:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Anderson Minard!