PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Aleksander Keller (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and El Mariachi Zidlicky (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). El Mariachi Zidlicky has the eye of the tiger tonight.

Keller
vs
Mariachi Zidlicky

225 cm
25
145 lbs
0 - 3 - 0

160 cm
19
141 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Granite chin

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Aleksander Keller!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, El Mariachi Zidlicky!
The judges for this bout are Arvi Lind, Johanna Lukiainen and Matti Vanhoillinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Keller looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Zidlicky feints and then cracks Keller's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Keller down.
Zidlicky swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Keller.
Zidlicky throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Keller shoots in but Zidlicky avoids the takedown attempt easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Aleksander Keller. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Zidlicky leaves Keller with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Keller shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Zidlicky as he avoids it easily.
Keller blocks a head kick by Zidlicky.
Zidlicky throws a head kick but Keller moves out of range.
Zidlicky tries a head kick but it misses.
Zidlicky pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Sloppy strikes from Zidlicky. Those never looked like landing.
Zidlicky throws a series of punches but Keller moves out of range.
Zidlicky looks gassed!
Keller is looking to clinch but Zidlicky is avoiding it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zidlicky misses with a head kick.
Zidlicky throws a head kick but Keller moves out of range.
Zidlicky stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Zidlicky wants it to stay on the feet.
Zidlicky throws a head kick but Keller moves out of range.
Zidlicky takes a kick to the side of the head.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Keller.
Keller is trying hard to land a takedown here. Zidlicky sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Zidlicky waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Keller.
Zidlicky throws a lazy head kick
and Keller counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Keller really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Zidlicky throws a head kick that misses
and Keller cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Keller shoots in but no luck this time.
Zidlicky tries a head kick but it misses.
Keller shoots in for a takedown but Zidlicky shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Keller tries to clinch but Zidlicky is having none of it.
Keller shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Zidlicky but Zidlicky pushes him off and we're back to square one.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zidlicky misses with a series of wild punches.
Zidlicky throws a head kick that misses
and Keller counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Keller will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Keller changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Zidlicky tries to avoid it but Keller manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Zidlicky to the ground. Zidlicky escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Zidlicky scoring well with a low kick there.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Keller.
Zidlicky throws a series of punches but Keller moves out of range.
Zidlicky tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Zidlicky stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Zidlicky wants it to stay on the feet.
Keller moves out of range of the body kick.
Zidlicky tries a head kick but it misses.
Keller lands with a nice combination. Zidlicky backs away looking to recover.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zidlicky throws a head kick that misses.
Keller shoots for a double leg takedown but Zidlicky sprawls well. He's pushed Keller's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Keller takes a head kick and keeps coming.
El Mariachi Zidlicky is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Zidlicky throws a head kick that misses
letting Keller counter with a right hand.
Keller lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Zidlicky throws a head kick that misses
and Keller counters with a flying knee. Nice.
Zidlicky defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Keller.
Zidlicky scores with a push kick.
Keller tries to close the distance and clinch up but Zidlicky swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Zidlicky throws a sloppy head kick and Keller moves out of range easily.
Keller shoots in for a takedown but Zidlicky shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Sloppy strikes from Zidlicky. Those never looked like landing.
Zidlicky misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Zidlicky throws a sloppy head kick
and Keller counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Zidlicky thinking.
Zidlicky throws a sloppy head kick and Keller moves out of range easily.

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.
Zidlicky misses with a body kick.
Zidlicky throws a body kick despite being completely out of range
and Keller counters with an inside leg kick.
Zidlicky throws a sloppy head kick
and Keller counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Keller looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Zidlicky is fending him off so far but Keller persists. Nope, Zidlicky circles away and we're back to standing.
Keller is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Zidlicky avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Zidlicky throws a sloppy head kick

and Keller counters with a shoot takedown. Zidlicky fights it but they end up in guard.
Keller works over Zidlicky with some ground and pound from guard.
Keller tries to free his leg and advance position but Zidlicky is retaining full guard.
Zidlicky utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
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 Aleksander Keller will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action!

Zidlicky throws a head kick that misses.
Keller fails with a takedown attempt.
Zidlicky throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Zidlicky throws a head kick that misses.
Keller fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Zidlicky misses with an attempted mid kick.
Keller shoots in looking for a takedown but Zidlicky manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Keller's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Aleksander Keller. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Zidlicky connects with a leg kick. Keller looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Zidlicky throws a sloppy head kick and Keller moves out of range easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Keller shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Zidlicky throws a head kick that half lands.
Zidlicky swinging wildly here.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Keller. Zidlicky shrugs it off though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zidlicky throws a push kick but Keller slaps the foot to one side.
Keller blocks a head kick by Zidlicky.
Zidlicky delivers a nice body kick.
Keller shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Zidlicky pinned against the cage. Zidlicky gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Zidlicky throws a lazy head kick
and Keller counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Zidlicky tries a head kick but it misses.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Keller is defended easily by Zidlicky.
Keller shoots in looking for a takedown. Zidlicky tries to sprawl out of it but Keller keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Zidlicky manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Zidlicky misses with a double jab.
Zidlicky keeps the fight on the outside.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Zidlicky tries a head kick but it misses.
Zidlicky displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Keller.
Keller fails with the takedown.
Zidlicky throws a head kick that misses.
Keller closes the distance and clinches up with Zidlicky, looking for a takedown. Keller pushes Zidlicky against the cage but Zidlicky circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Zidlicky misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
El Mariachi Zidlicky seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A nice combination there by Zidlicky.
Zidlicky throws a sloppy head kick
and Keller counters with a flying knee. Nice.
A head kick by Zidlicky misses
and Zidlicky takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Zidlicky throws a head kick that misses
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
and Keller counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Keller closes this distance looking for a takedown but Zidlicky circles away.
Zidlicky stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Zidlicky wants it to stay on the feet.
A head kick by Zidlicky misses
and Keller counters with a big head kick but Zidlicky shrugs it off.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zidlicky throws a head kick that misses.
Zidlicky slaps away a takedown attempt from Keller, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Keller throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Zidlicky's waist but Zidlicky gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Keller off to one side.
Zidlicky throws a lazy head kick
and Keller counters with a nice kick to the body.
Zidlicky misses with a head kick.
Keller fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Zidlicky tries a head kick but it misses.
Keller blocks a head kick by Zidlicky.
Keller moves out of range of the body kick.

Keller clinches with his opponent.
Zidlicky wants to get back to striking at distance but Keller won't allow it.
Keller lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Zidlicky throws a knee to the head but misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Keller tries to pull guard but Zidlicky holds him up against the cage and eventually Keller drops back down to his feet.

Zidlicky breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Zidlicky lands with a straight right. Keller didn't see that one coming.
Zidlicky tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Keller blocks a head kick by Zidlicky.
Keller slips a straight right by Zidlicky.
Keller avoids the head kick by Zidlicky.
Keller dives in and grabs Zidlicky's left leg, looking for a takedown. Zidlicky pushes down on Keller's head and hops out.
Keller wants to clinch.
Zidlicky misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Keller is defended easily by Zidlicky.
Zidlicky throws a head kick but Keller moves out of range.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

El Mariachi Zidlicky showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Keller takes one to the chin there.
A jab from Zidlicky misses.
Keller fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Zidlicky stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Zidlicky wants it to stay on the feet.
Zidlicky scores with a nice right hand.
Keller avoids the head kick by Zidlicky.
Zidlicky pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Keller lands a head kick. Zidlicky smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Zidlicky displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Keller.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Aleksander Keller. That's going to take a lot out of him.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Zidlicky throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Zidlicky throws a right and a left that Keller avoids nicely.
Zidlicky throws a head kick that misses
and Keller counters with a head kick.
Zidlicky throws a sloppy head kick
and Keller counters with a flying knee. Nice.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zidlicky fails to land with a series of punches.
Keller fails with an attempt to clinch.
Zidlicky connects with a high kick.
Zidlicky defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Keller.
Zidlicky pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Zidlicky throws a head kick that misses.
Zidlicky throws a head kick that misses
and Keller counters with a nice uppercut.
Zidlicky scores with a kick to the midsection.
Aleksander Keller is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Zidlicky throws a head kick that misses

and Keller counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Keller.

Zidlicky breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Keller avoids a punch combination nicely.
Zidlicky misses with a two punch combination.
A head kick by Zidlicky misses
and Keller counters with a flying knee. Nice.
El Mariachi Zidlicky seems to be getting the better of the standup.
A head kick by Zidlicky misses
and Keller counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Keller is looking to clinch.
Zidlicky throws a sloppy head kick

and Keller counters by clinching up.

Zidlicky pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Keller takes one to the side of the head.
Keller shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Zidlicky but Zidlicky pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Zidlicky stuffs the takedown attempt from Keller. Keller gets slowly back to his feet.
Keller blocks a head kick by Zidlicky.
Keller shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Zidlicky defends it nicely.
Zidlicky lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Keller circles away quickly and effectively.
Zidlicky wants to land a leg kick but Keller is out of range.
The fight stays on the outside here - Keller looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zidlicky lands a leg kick that knocks Keller off balance momentarily.
Keller shoots for a double leg takedown but Zidlicky sprawls well. He's pushed Keller's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Keller blocks a head kick by Zidlicky.
Keller shoots in for a takedown but Zidlicky shows good takedown defense.
Zidlicky swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Keller is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Keller looks for a takedown but Zidlicky sprawls well.
Zidlicky tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
The fighters circling - Zidlicky throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Keller avoids the head kick by Zidlicky.
Zidlicky stuffs the takedown attempt from Keller. Keller gets slowly back to his feet.
Zidlicky throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Zidlicky throws a head kick that misses
and Keller counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Keller shoots in for a takedown but Zidlicky shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Keller tries to clinch up but Zidlicky circles away and keeps his distance.
A head kick misses from Zidlicky.
Keller dives in and grabs Zidlicky's left leg, looking for a takedown. Zidlicky pushes down on Keller's head and hops out.
Zidlicky throws a body kick that misses.
Keller closes this distance looking for a takedown but Zidlicky circles away.
Zidlicky throws a head kick that misses
and Keller counters with a flying knee. Nice.
Horrible takedown by Keller or perhaps it was just good defense by Zidlicky which made him look bad.
Zidlicky takes a head kick and keeps coming.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Keller blocks a head kick by Zidlicky.
A head kick by Zidlicky misses
and Keller counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
A head kick by Zidlicky misses
and Keller counters with a head kick.
Keller tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Zidlicky paws at him with a jab and circles away.

And that's the end of the fight!
El Mariachi Zidlicky comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Zidlicky has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Arvi Lind scores the fight 28:30
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 28:29
Judge Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight 28:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... El Mariachi Zidlicky!