PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Kustaa Pohjanala (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Leonid Vasilevsky (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Pohjanala comes to the cage accompanied by AC/DC - Hard as a Rock. Leonid Vasilevsky struggled to make weight for this fight. He only made it down to 146.1lbs at the first attempt and had to take the additional two hours to make the official bout weight. Let's see how much it's taken out of him. Both fighter's entrance songs getting the crowd jumping here.

Pohjanala
vs
Vasilevsky

168 cm
30
157 lbs
18 - 16 - 0

175 cm
21
155 lbs
6 - 2 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Granite chin

Good takedowns
Brawler
Knockout power

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 18 - 16 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Kustaa Pohjanala!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Leonid Vasilevsky!
The judges for this bout are , Jack Bonds and Timothy Bukovac.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Vasilevsky drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Vasilevsky tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.

Vasilevsky is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Pohjanala has escaped the position, nice work there.
Pohjanala wants to control but Vasilevsky postures up.

Vasilevsky tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Vasilevsky has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Pohjanala is not content to let Vasilevsky control the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Pohjanala tries to buck Vasilevsky off but Vasilevsky is having none of it.
Vasilevsky postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Pohjanala defending against the ground and pound.
Vasilevsky wants to take a breather but Pohjanala manages to regain guard - a lesson learnt for Vasilevsky.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Vasilevsky throws a strike but Pohjanala rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Pohjanala thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.

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

Pohjanala gets to his feet. Vasilevsky looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!

Vasilevsky shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Vasilevsky throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Vasilevsky thows a huge punch but Pohjanala dodges it nicely.
Pohjanala tries to roll over but Vasilevsky keeps him under control.
Vasilevsky not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Vasilevsky is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

Vasilevsky wants to work for an arm triangle but Pohjanala is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Vasilevsky looks gassed!
Pohjanala wants to control but Vasilevsky is keeping busy.

Vasilevsky is looking for a kimura but Pohjanala is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Vasilevsky to get the leverage.
Vasilevsky looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Vasilevsky throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Vasilevsky trying to control the action but Pohjanala is working from the bottom.
Pohjanala tries to roll over but Vasilevsky keeps him under control.

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.
Pohjanala is looking to control Vasilevsky's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Pohjanala avoid being mounted?
Vasilevsky is just content to waste time from the top position. Pohjanala takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.
Vasilevsky wants to control from the top but Pohjanala keeps moving.

Pohjanala is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Pohjanala looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Leonid Vasilevsky dominated that round.
That's time! Pohjanala's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Pohjanala swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Vasilevsky will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Vasilevsky on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Pohjanala catches Vasilevsky with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Vasilevsky avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Vasilevsky swings widly with a right hand
and Pohjanala counters with an inside leg kick.
Pohjanala punishes Vasilevsky's body with a nice straight punch.
Pohjanala lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Pohjanala misses with a body shot.
Pohjanala throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Pohjanala is looking to wear down Vasilevsky with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Vasilevsky has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Vasilevsky there as he acknowledges the shot.
Pohjanala's jab looks to have found its range, popping Vasilevsky under the eye.
Vasilevsky slips under a jab.
Vasilevsky ducks under a wild hook from Pohjanala.
Vasilevsky is breathing heavily.
Pohjanala uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Pohjanala cracks a nice hook into Vasilevsky's ribs.
Pohjanala scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Vasilevsky doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Pohjanala lands a head kick. Vasilevsky smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Pohjanala.
The fighters circle momentarily. Pohjanala darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Pohjanala goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Vasilevsky pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Vasilevsky avoids the body shot from Pohjanala.
Pohjanala dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Vasilevsky. That did some damage!
Pohjanala is looking to land body kicks.
Pohjanala thows a body shot but no joy.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Vasilevsky.
Leonid Vasilevsky seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Pohjanala gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Pohjanala is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Vasilevsky blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Pohjanala has Vasilevsky pressed against the cage.
Pohjanala working Vasilevsky over with knees to the body.
Pohjanala is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Vasilevsky is keeping busy.
Pohjanala gets underhooks to prevent Vasilevsky's takedown attempt.
Kustaa Pohjanala has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Leonid Vasilevsky.
Pohjanala scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Pohjanala landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Pohjanala lands a good knee to the midsection. Vasilevsky won't want to take too many of those.
Pohjanala lands a nice elbow.
Pohjanala lands a nice elbow.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Vasilevsky goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Pohjanala.
Vasilevsky takes a knee right on the jaw!
Vasilevsky tries for a takedown but Pohjanala manages to get underhooks.
Pohjanala utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Vasilevsky avoiding damage as Pohjanala throws knees to the body.
Vasilevsky is leaning against Pohjanala and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Vasilevsky is trying to drag Pohjanala to the mat but Pohjanala just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Pohjanala lands an elbow just above Vasilevsky 's eye.
Pohjanala misses with a knee strike.
Pohjanala makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Vasilevsky looking for a takedown.
A short right from Pohjanala.
Pohjanala connects with a nasty looking knee right to Vasilevsky's face.
Pohjanala using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Vasilevsky has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.

Vasilevsky gets double underhooks and manages to take the fight to the ground.
Pohjanala controls Vasilevsky momentarily but Vasilevsky frees himself.
Vasilevsky cracks Pohjanala with a solid left hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pohjanala is trying to control the position but Vasilevsky postures up.
Pohjanala looking to hit a scissor sweep but Vasilevsky is one step ahead there.
Vasilevsky trying to control the position from guard on top but Pohjanala is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Pohjanala is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Vasilevsky defends well.

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.
Vasilevsky throws a strike but Pohjanala rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Pohjanala has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Vasilevsky working a defensive guard here.

Pohjanala 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.
Vasilevsky keeping moving, preventing Pohjanala from controlling successfully.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Pohjanala preventing the sweep.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kustaa Pohjanala dominated that second round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

No luck with that takedown attempt from Vasilevsky.
Vasilevsky takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Nice body punch from Pohjanala.
Pohjanala bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Vasilevsky's head.
Pohjanala throws a push kick but Vasilevsky slaps the foot to one side.
Vasilevsky tries for a takedown but Pohjanala sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Vasilevsky takes a shot to the body in his stride.

Pohjanala clinches up against the cage.
Pohjanala has Vasilevsky pushed against the cage.

Pohjanala successfully pulls guard.

Vasilevsky postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Pohjanala is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Vasilevsky, into his guard.
Pohjanala throwing strikes but missing.

Vasilevsky had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Pohjanala defends it easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Pohjanala 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.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Pohjanala 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.

Pohjanala thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

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

Vasilevsky has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Pohjanala can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Vasilevsky working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Pohjanala doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Pohjanala manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Pohjanala trying to control the position from guard on top but Vasilevsky is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Vasilevsky looking for a sweep. Not yet Vasilevsky, not yet.

Vasilevsky working for a triangle but Pohjanala defends it easily.

Pohjanala 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.
Vasilevsky trying to punch from his back but it's not doing any damage.

Vasilevsky is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Pohjanala defends well.
Pohjanala working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Vasilevsky's head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Vasilevsky has his foot on Pohjanala's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Pohjanala works his way back into a safe position though.
Pohjanala wants to control from the top but Vasilevsky keeps moving.
Pohjanala is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Vasilevsky is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Pohjanala in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

Pohjanala decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
Vasilevsky fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Kustaa Pohjanala has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Leonid Vasilevsky.
Pohjanala throws a head kick that Vasilevsky semi-blocks.
Pohjanala lands with a nice body punch.
Pohjanala thuds a left hand into Vasilevsky's body.
Pohjanala looks to score with a jab to the body but Vasilevsky is just out of range.
Pohjanala throws a body punch but Vasilevsky moves out of range.
Vasilevsky pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Pohjanala throws a lazy right hand but Vasilevsky sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Vasilevsky fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Pohjanala manages to avoid it.
Pohjanala comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Vasilevsky throws a sloppy head kick and Pohjanala moves out of range easily.
Pohjanala stuffs the takedown.
Vasilevsky shoots in looking for a takedown but Pohjanala manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Vasilevsky's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Nice shot by Pohjanala.
Pohjanala tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
A jab from Pohjanala misses.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Pohjanala slaps away a takedown attempt from Vasilevsky, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Vasilevsky throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Pohjanala counters with a flying knee. Nice.
Pohjanala keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Vasilevsky throws a low kick but Pohjanala avoids it.
Pohjanala punishes Vasilevsky's body with a nice straight punch.
Pohjanala misses with a head kick.

Vasilevsky fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Pohjanala sprawls well initially but Vasilevsky persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Vasilevsky is looking to stall here but Pohjanala recovers full guard.
Pohjanala is trying to control the position but Vasilevsky postures up.

And that's the end of the fight!
Kustaa Pohjanala showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Pohjanala has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Percy O'Donnell scores the fight for Kustaa Pohjanala!
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight for Kustaa Pohjanala!
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight for Kustaa Pohjanala!

Kustaa Pohjanala wins by unanimous decision!