PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Antti Haapasalo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Herb Tarlic (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Haapasalo's entrance music is Korpiklaani - Let's Drink . A fine choice. Buckle up people - heeeeeeeeeere we go!

Haapasalo
vs
Tarlic

189 cm
23
245 lbs
6 - 3 - 0

200 cm
26
275 lbs
8 - 6 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Very strong

BJJ Purple Belt
Decent boxing
Powerful

MFS Outfitters ™
MFS Outfitters ™

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 6 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Antti Haapasalo!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Herb Tarlic!
The judges for this bout are Arvi Lind, Matti Vanhoillinen and Marco Blurström.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Haapasalo gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Tarlic stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Haapasalo swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Tarlic throwing strikes from guard but Haapasalo blocks nicely.
Haapasalo is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Tarlic pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Haapasalo is keeping the position for now.
Haapasalo working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Tarlic.
Tarlic working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Haapasalo looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Tarlic puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tarlic is trying to control. Haapasalo wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Tarlic moves in looking to clinch but Haapasalo pushes him off.
Nice straight punches there by Haapasalo. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Haapasalo.
Tarlic misses the jab.
Tarlic tries to clinch up.
Haapasalo displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Tarlic.
Haapasalo circles away from the clinch attempt.
Haapasalo avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Haapasalo lands with a nice combination. Tarlic backs away looking to recover.

It looks like Herb Tarlic has been cut.
Tarlic lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Tarlic closes this distance looking for a takedown but Haapasalo circles away.
A combination from Tarlic does no damage.

Haapasalo gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Haapasalo blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Haapasalo presses Tarlic against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.

Tarlic manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Haapasalo is looking to stand up but Tarlic won't let him.

Haapasalo gets to his feet. Tarlic looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Tarlic tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Haapasalo counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Tarlic tries to clinch but Haapasalo moves away

and Haapasalo holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Haapasalo lands a body shot.
Tarlic looks gassed!

Haapasalo breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Tarlic misses with a double jab
and Haapasalo counters with a nice body shot.
Haapasalo uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Haapasalo stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Antti Haapasalo is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Haapasalo scores with a decent looking hook.
Tarlic shoots and misses
and Haapasalo connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.

Tarlic is rocked!
Antti Haapasalo has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Herb Tarlic.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Haapasalo closes the distance and lands a crisp combination that knocks Tarlic out cold! Tarlic corner are devastated, head in hands behind our commentary position. Poor guys.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:10 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Antti Haapasalo!