PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Juha Tappio (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Taavi Liisteri (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Tappio comes to the cage accompanied by Kari Tapio - Juna kulkee vaan. Liisteri has chosen Solid Base - I like it as his entrance music. Both fighters look pumped up here. Let's hope this is a good fight!

Tappio
vs
Liisteri

180 cm
22
165 lbs
4 - 4 - 0

170 cm
28
162 lbs
12 - 12 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Very strong

ADCC Champion
Counter striker
Determined

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 4 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Juha Tappio!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 12 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Taavi Liisteri!
The judges for this bout are Tarja Halkonen, Marco Blurström and Ben Zyskovitsi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Tappio leaves Liisteri with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Liisteri slips a straight right by Tappio.
Liisteri tries for a takedown but Tappio sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Liisteri shoots for a double leg takedown but Tappio sprawls well. He's pushed Liisteri's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Juha Tappio has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Taavi Liisteri.
Liisteri shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Tappio as he jumps to the side.
Tappio throws a right and a left that Liisteri avoids nicely.
Tappio misses with a double jab.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Liisteri drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Tappio is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Liisteri is controlling him well.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!

Liisteri is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Tappio has escaped the position, nice work there.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Liisteri goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Tappio has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Liisteri but great work by Tappio.
Liisteri tries to improve position but can't.

Tappio decides to stand back up. Tappio steps back and let's Liisteri get back to his feet.
Tappio throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Tappio throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
A swing and a miss from Tappio.
Liisteri closes this distance looking for a takedown but Tappio circles away.

Liisteri looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.

Liisteri is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Tappio doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Liisteri.

Liisteri is trying to work for a kimura but Tappio is defending well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Tappio is defending against the submission attempts here by Liisteri.

Liisteri is looking for a kimura here.
Tappio pushes Liisteri off looking to stand but Liisteri dives back in and keeps control.
Liisteri trying to pass the guard but Tappio defending well.

Liisteri is looking for a kimura but Tappio is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Liisteri to get the leverage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Liisteri seems like he's working for an arm triangle here. He's freed his trapped foot and he's rotating nicely. Tappio is in big trouble! He's tapping out! This one is aaaaaaaaaaaall over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:23 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Arm Triangle). Taavi Liisteri!