PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Armas Kuusisto (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Frank Angel (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kuusisto comes to the cage accompanied by System of a down - Chop Suey. Armas Kuusisto could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Frank Angel's chin.

Kuusisto
vs
Angel

179 cm
29
192 lbs
16 - 5 - 1

185 cm
23
195 lbs
12 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
Lethal high kicks
KO power

ADCC Champion
Decent boxing
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 16 - 5 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Armas Kuusisto!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Frank Angel!
The judges for this bout are Vladimir Khabensky, Aleksandr Martynov and Viktor Lagutenko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kuusisto defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Angel.
Angel shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Kuusisto connects with an inside leg kick.
Kuusisto connects with a right hand. Angel shakes it off.
Angel checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Kuusisto cracks Angel with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Armas Kuusisto seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Angel tries for a takedown but Kuusisto circles away easily
and Kuusisto counters with a slapping leg kick.
Armas Kuusisto has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Frank Angel.
Kuusisto tries to land a front kick but Angel steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Kuusisto scores with a leg kick.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kuusisto thows a body kick. Angel tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Angel shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Kuusisto pinned against the cage. Kuusisto gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Kuusisto fails to land with a series of punches.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuusisto looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Kuusisto throws a leg kick but Angel sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Kuusisto explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Kuusisto connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Angel looks gassed!
Kuusisto fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Angel on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Kuusisto. Kuusisto obviously looking to wear him down.
Kuusisto fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Angel has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Kuusisto thuds a left hand into Angel's body.
Kuusisto scoring well with a low kick there.
Armas Kuusisto is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Kuusisto scores with a head kick. Angel tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Kuusisto cracks Angel with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kuusisto throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
A chopping leg kick lands by Kuusisto.
Angel on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.

Kuusisto rushes Angel and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Kuusisto will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Angel up against the cage.
Kuusisto misses with a body punch.
Kuusisto lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Angel tries to pull guard but Kuusisto holds him up against the cage and eventually Angel drops back down to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuusisto taking a breather.
Kuusisto tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Kuusisto lands a left hand that snaps the head of Angel backwards.
Still in the clinch, Kuusisto scores with a nice short uppercut.
The referee is keeping an eye on Kuusisto - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Kuusisto tries to work over Angel's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Kuusisto is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Angel is defending well for now.
Kuusisto scores with a shoulder strike.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.

Angel has dropped down and is working for a takedown. Kuusisto is trying to keep an underhook but Angel manages to get the takedown into half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kuusisto is pressing down on Angel's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Angel is pushing down on Kuusisto's leg trying to pass to half guard. Kuusisto is fighting to maintain full guard but Angel has managed to sneak the leg through.

Angel is working for a submission of some sort.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kuusisto is looking to improve his position.

Angel is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Kuusisto defends it well.
Angel wants to free his trapped foot but Kuusisto is holding on for dear life with his legs.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Kuusisto is looking for a sweep. Angel is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Armas Kuusisto dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Kuusisto tries to land a leg kick but Angel saw it coming and moves away.
Kuusisto pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Good work by Angel as he checks the leg kick.
Angel on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Kuusisto lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Kuusisto uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Angel.
Kuusisto looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Angel shoots in looking for a takedown. Kuusisto tries to sprawl out of it but Angel keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Kuusisto manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Angel will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Kuusisto looking to land some kicks to the body here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuusisto throws a quick inside leg kick.
Kuusisto tries to score with a low kick but Angel moves his leg out of the way.
Kuusisto connects with a solid leg kick.
Kuusisto doesn't manage to clinch there - Angel circles away.
Angel moves out of range of the body kick from Kuusisto.
Kuusisto misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
A nice leg kick lands there from Kuusisto.
Angel is breathing heavily.
Kuusisto throws a low kick but Angel avoids it.
Angel connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Kuusisto scores with a head kick. Angel tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
A jab from Kuusisto misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kuusisto wants to land a leg kick but Angel is out of range.
Kuusisto is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Angel can do to turn this around?
Kuusisto goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Kuusisto throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Kuusisto connects with an inside leg kick.
Kuusisto looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Kuusisto lets loose with a powerful body kick. Angel will feel that in the morning.
Nice body kick there by Kuusisto.
Kuusisto throws a nice inside leg kick.
Kuusisto turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Kuusisto scores with a crisp jab that stopped Angel in his tracks.
Kuusisto scores with a push kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuusisto bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Angel's head.
Armas Kuusisto is winning the standup battle so far.
Kuusisto delivers a nice body kick.
Donk. Kuusisto catches Angel right on the button with a cross.
Kuusisto lets loose with a powerful body kick. Angel will feel that in the morning.
Kuusisto scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Angel doesn't seem bothered though.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kuusisto with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Kuusisto tries to clinch up but Angel circles away and keeps his distance.
Kuusisto throws a head kick that half lands.
Kuusisto lands with a nice body kick.
Kuusisto cracks Angel with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.

Angel is rocked!
Kuusisto fakes the leg kick and cracks Angel in the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A head kick misses from Kuusisto.
Angel takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Kuusisto tries a low kick but Angel avoids it.
Angel moves out of range of the body kick from Kuusisto.
Kuusisto pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
A bone on bone clash there as Angel blocks the leg kick.
Kuusisto changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Kuusisto throws a leg kick but Angel sees it coming and moves out of range.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Kuusisto tries a head kick but it misses.
Angel has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Kuusisto.
Kuusisto throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Armas Kuusisto dominated that second round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Ouch! a nice leg kick from Kuusisto, right into the meat.
Kuusisto throws a head kick that misses.
Kuusisto throws a quick inside leg kick.
Angel on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Angel's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Kuusisto goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Kuusisto lands a leg kick that knocks Angel off balance momentarily.

Kuusisto gets a clinch.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Angel letting Kuusisto take a breather here.

Kuusisto escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Angel takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Angel checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Kuusisto lands a leg kick that knocks Angel off balance momentarily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A punch combination from Kuusisto misses.
Kuusisto is looking to chop away at Angel's legs.
Kuusisto pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Kuusisto throws a one two combo.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Kuusisto, right into the meat.
Kuusisto misses with a wild body shot.
Kuusisto misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Angel checks a low kick from Kuusisto.
A solid leg kick lands there for Kuusisto.
Kuusisto motions for Angel to come forward. Kuusisto throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kuusisto throws a leg kick but Angel checks it.
Kuusisto throws a solid leg kick but Angel takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Kuusisto.
Angel moves out of range as Kuusisto throws a body kick.
Kuusisto swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Angel blocks a head kick by Kuusisto.
Kuusisto bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Angel shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Kuusisto counters with an inside leg kick.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
A nice inside leg kick there by Kuusisto. That's going to slow Angel down.
Kuusisto throws a wild body kick that Angel sees coming a mile off.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuusisto scores with a leg kick.
Kuusisto throws a nice inside leg kick.
A jab from Kuusisto does it's job there.
Kuusisto feints and then cracks Angel's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Angel down.
A good leg kick by Kuusisto.
A slapping leg kick lands for Kuusisto.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kuusisto lands with a thumping leg kick.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Kuusisto - that will leave a mark!
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Kuusisto, right into the meat.
Kuusisto bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Angel's head backwards.
Kuusisto fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Angel checks it well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Angel blocks a low kick nicely.
Angel steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Kuusisto.
Kuusisto bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Angel's head.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Angel checks a leg kick.
Kuusisto throws a chopping leg kick but Angel manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Angel on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Kuusisto. Kuusisto obviously looking to wear him down.
An inside leg kick lands from Kuusisto.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Angel blocks a leg kick.
Angel checks a leg kick.
Kuusisto misses with a low kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Armas Kuusisto clearly takes that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Angel on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Kuusisto throws a chopping leg kick but Angel manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
A nice leg kick lands there from Kuusisto.
Angel shoots in and drives through. Kuusisto sprawls well.
Kuusisto scores with a leg kick.
A punch lands to the side of Angel 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Kuusisto lands with a cross.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Danga de danga de dang - Kuusisto scores with a four punch combination!
Kuusisto lands a lovely overhand right.
Kuusisto connects with a solid leg kick.
Angel is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Angel on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Kuusisto lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Angel has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Angel and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Kuusisto bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
A good leg kick by Kuusisto.
A chopping leg kick lands by Kuusisto.
Kuusisto throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Kuusisto connects with a right hand. Angel shakes it off.
Nice jab there from Kuusisto.
A nice inside leg kick there by Kuusisto. That's going to slow Angel down.
Angel blocks a leg 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!
Kuusisto throws a hard body shot but it just misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Kuusisto, right into the meat.
Kuusisto lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Kuusisto misses with a body kick.
Kuusisto pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Kuusisto misses with a body kick.
Angel checks a low kick from Kuusisto.
Kuusisto connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Angel takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Angel fails with the takedown.
Kuusisto misses with a hook.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuusisto cracks the inside of Angel's front leg.
Angel slips under a jab.
Kuusisto lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Kuusisto fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Angel checks it well.
Kuusisto misses the shot to the body.
Angel avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Kuusisto throws a solid leg kick but Angel takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Kuusisto.
Kuusisto walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Angel checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Kuusisto throws a front kick aimed at Angel's knee but Angel avoids it well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kuusisto fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Angel is out of range.
Kuusisto misses with a right hand

and Angel counters with a takedown into side control.
Kuusisto gives up the full mount - oops, sloppy defensive grappling there!
Angel with good strikes from the mount here!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kuusisto is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.

Angel looking for an armbar but decides to keep the dominant position instead.
Kuusisto tries to hold on but Angel pushes him away.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Kuusisto tries to reverse the position but Angel maintains control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Armas Kuusisto had his way with Frank Angel in that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Kuusisto gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Angel shoots in looking for a takedown but Kuusisto manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Angel's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Kuusisto throws a head kick that half lands.
Angel blocks a low kick nicely.

Angel scores with a takedown into Kuusisto's guard.
Angel wants to control from the top but Kuusisto keeps moving.
Angel with a flurry of punches that miss.
Angel tries to free his leg and advance position but Kuusisto is retaining full guard.
Angel trying to control the position from guard on top but Kuusisto is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Angel works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Angel is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Angel looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.

Angel seems to be looking for submissions.
Angel throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Kuusisto gets full guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Angel trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Kuusisto wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Kuusisto trying to keep a closed guard but Angel is proving a slippery customer.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Angel wants to control from the top but Kuusisto keeps moving.
Kuusisto manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Angel manages to get himself to full guard.
Kuusisto preventing the sweep.

Angel is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Angel looking to hit a scissor sweep but Kuusisto is one step ahead there.
Angel can't keep his opponent in guard - Kuusisto advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Angel is defending against the submission attempts here by Kuusisto.
Kuusisto looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Angel is trying to maintain the position but Kuusisto is very close to passing his half guard.
Kuusisto controlling the action here.
Kuusisto is thwarting Angel's attempts to control the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kuusisto looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Armas Kuusisto is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Angel shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
A leg kick checked by Angel.
Frank Angel has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Kuusisto misses with a low kick as Angel jumps back.
Some bone on bone action there as Angel checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Angel checks the leg kick.
Kuusisto leaves Angel with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Armas Kuusisto has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Frank Angel.
Angel shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Kuusisto sprawls well. Kuusisto wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Angel gets slowly back to his feet.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Frank Angel.
I think Kuusisto 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Vladimir Khabensky scores the fight 49:44
Judge Aleksandr Martynov scores the fight 50:44
Judge Viktor Lagutenko scores the fight 49:44

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Armas Kuusisto!
Armas Kuusisto retains his middleweight title!