PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Johan Apanson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Alistair Overeem (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Apanson
vs
Overeem

190 cm
24
195 lbs
9 - 2 - 1

180 cm
25
193 lbs
13 - 5 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

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 9 - 2 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Johan Apanson!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Alistair Overeem!
The judges for this bout are Johanna Lukiainen, Marco Blurström and Ben Zyskovitsi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Overeem thuds a left hand into Apanson's body.
Overeem lunges at Apanson with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Apanson's hand.
Apanson throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Overeem blocks a leg kick.
Overeem looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Apanson misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

Overeem rushes Apanson and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Apanson as Overeem tries to tie him up.
Overeem tries a body shot but Apanson blocks it.
Apanson blocks a body shot from Overeem.
Apanson prevents a body shot from Overeem.

Apanson breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Overeem throws out a powerful jab.
Overeem is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Overeem is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Apanson.
Overeem throws a lazy right hand but Apanson sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Apanson keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Overeem looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Overeem throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Overeem slips a straight right by Apanson.
Apanson wants to slow Overeem down by chopping away at his legs.
Overeem throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Overeem fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Apanson has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Apanson walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Overeem checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.

Overeem fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Apanson, pushing him back against the cage.

Apanson breaks from the clinch.
A swing and a miss from Apanson.
Overeem misses with a leg kick.
A leg kick checked by Overeem.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Apanson motions for Overeem to come forward. Apanson throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
A slapping leg kick lands for Overeem.
Overeem throws a body kick that misses.
Nice defenses there by Apanson.
Overeem misses with a wild body shot.
Overeem throws a looping overhand right but Apanson ducks down to avoid it.
Apanson shoots and misses
and Overeem makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Apanson tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Overeem tries to land a front kick but Apanson steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Overeem throws a jab when Apanson was well out of range.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Apanson tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Overeem throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Overeem scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Apanson doesn't seem bothered though.
Overeem throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Overeem throws a head kick but Apanson moves out of range.
Overeem's jab looks to have found its range, popping Apanson under the eye.
A jab from Overeem misses.
Overeem scoring well with a low kick there.
Overeem connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Apanson misses with a low kick.
Alistair Overeem seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Apanson tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Apanson slips a jab from Overeem.
Overeem throws a good cross that connects.
Apanson throws a looping overhand right but Overeem ducks down to avoid it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Apanson throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Overeem misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Nice body punch from Apanson.
Alistair Overeem is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Apanson takes one to the side of the head.
Overeem misses the jab.
Apanson moves out of range as Overeem throws a body kick.

Apanson scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
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!
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Overeem controlling the leg, holding on to half guard.
Apanson lands strikes from half guard.
Apanson has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Nice strikes from Apanson there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alistair Overeem dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Overeem moves out of range of the leg kick from Apanson.
Overeem takes a swing at Apanson's ribcage but misses.
Overeem is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Apanson.
Overeem punishes Apanson's body with a nice straight punch.
Apanson avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Apanson checks a leg kick.
Overeem cracks the inside of Apanson's front leg.
Apanson misses with a low kick as Overeem jumps back.
Overeem steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Apanson.
Nice shot by Overeem.
Overeem looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Alistair Overeem seems to be getting the better of the standup.
A big right from Apanson misses.
Apanson throws a front kick aimed at Overeem's knee but Overeem avoids it well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Overeem throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
A looping hook to the body misses from Overeem. Apanson does a little dance to reset his feet.
Apanson moves out of range as Overeem throws a body kick.
Apanson avoids the body shot from Overeem.
Apanson uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Overeem.
Overeem ducks under a wild hook from Apanson.
Overeem looks to land a right hand but Apanson moved out of range.
Overeem keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Apanson bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Overeem's head backwards.
Overeem rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Apanson moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Overeem pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Overeem fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Apanson manages to avoid it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Overeem fakes the leg kick and cracks Apanson in the body.
Apanson throws a lazy right hand but Overeem sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Overeem defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Apanson.
Overeem throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Overeem throws a looping overhand right but Apanson ducks down to avoid it.
Apanson looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Overeem thuds his right hand into Apanson's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Apanson keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Overeem turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Apanson pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Overeem swings for the body but Apanson moves out of range.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Overeem throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Overeem fails to land with a series of punches.
Apanson misses with a head kick.
Overeem lands a jab.
Overeem throws out a loose jab but Apanson uses good head movement to avoid it.
Overeem connects with a looping right hand.
Apanson misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
A bone on bone clash there as Overeem blocks the leg kick.
Apanson throws a leg kick but Overeem checks it.
Overeem connects with a body shot that sends Apanson's belly button to the back.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nice straight punches there by Overeem. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Overeem.
Apanson attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Apanson fails with a takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Johan Apanson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Nice takedown defense from Overeem. No joy for Apanson on that attempt.
Overeem throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Apanson sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Overeem looks to throw the jab but Apanson is out of range.
Apanson tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Overeem is able to avoid easily.
Overeem throws a jab but it's blocked by Apanson.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Overeem throws a head kick but Apanson moves out of range.
Overeem misses with a wild body shot.
Overeem lands with an overhand left.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alistair Overeem showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Overeem avoids the body shot from Apanson.
Overeem throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Overeem digs a good body shot into Apanson's ribs.
Apanson misses with a straight left.
Overeem swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Overeem misses the jab.
Apanson shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Overeem as he avoids it easily.
A low kick from Apanson is predictable there
and Overeem counters with a series of strikes. Apanson will be more careful next time no doubt.
Apanson is looking to score with low kicks.
Apanson blocks a jab.
Overeem tries to land a front kick but Apanson steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Apanson checks the leg kick nicely there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Apanson on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.

Apanson closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Apanson in side control, throwing shots but Overeem defends.
Apanson is looking to take a break and control but Overeem is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Overeem is trying to get back to half guard.
Overeem taking a bit of punishment here - Apanson scoring with strikes.
Apanson creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Overeem sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Apanson working the ground and pound but Overeem is defending the strikes.
Apanson throws an elbow but Overeem slips to the side and avoids it well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Overeem is trying to control Apanson's posture but Apanson avoids it.

Apanson is trying to get an arm triangle but Overeem is defending well.
Overeem manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Overeem tries to get to full guard but Apanson has control of the leg.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Apanson stops Overeem from getting back to his feet.
Apanson seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Overeem does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Overeem blocking the ground and pound attempt from Apanson.
Apanson throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Overeem moves into full guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Apanson accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Apanson pushes down on Overeem's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Overeem tries to roll over but Apanson keeps him under control.
Overeem is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Apanson wants to pass the guard but Overeem is defending well.

Apanson is working for a submission of some sort.
Apanson throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Apanson wants to free his trapped foot but Overeem is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Apanson wants to control but Overeem is keeping him busy.
Overeem wants to get back to full guard.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Apanson is working for a submission of some sort.
Apanson frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Johan Apanson clearly takes that round.
That's time! Apanson's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Apanson takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
The crowd cheers as Overeem lands an impressive looking overhand right. Apanson doesn't seem phased though.
Overeem connects with a nice looking jab.
Overeem just misses with a punch to the body.
Overeem misses with an uppercut.
Overeem takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
Apanson scores with a nice head shot.
Overeem throws a wild body kick that Apanson sees coming a mile off.
Nice body punch from Overeem.
Overeem misses with a head kick.
Overeem cracks the inside of Apanson's front leg.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Overeem moves out of range of the strikes.

Apanson shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Overeem is trying to defend but Apanson finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Apanson thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Apanson is keen to just control but Overeem is a slippery customer.
Johan Apanson overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Apanson sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Overeem defending well though.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Overeem is controlling Apanson's trapped leg to prevent Apanson from advancing to side control.
Apanson is trying to control the action in half guard but Overeem is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Overeem is looking for a sweep. Apanson is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Overeem pushes Apanson off looking to stand but Apanson dives back in and keeps control.
Apanson throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

Apanson is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Overeem is just riding it out for now. Apanson eventually gives up the hold.
Overeem is not content to let Apanson control the position.
Apanson is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Overeem is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Apanson missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Apanson wants to pass the guard but Overeem is defending well.
Apanson prevents Overeem from standing back up.
Apanson is trying to control. Overeem wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Overeem is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Apanson's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Apanson's back!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Overeem has the hooks sunk in and you can see the will to fight slowly draining out of Apanson's body.
Overeem controlling well, preventing Apanson from escaping the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Overeem doesn't have the hooks in and Apanson manages to turn into his guard.
Overeem is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Apanson trying to control but Overeem is working from the bottom.
Overeem avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Overeem pulls Apanson in to control the position.
Apanson controlling from the top position.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Apanson postures up in Overeem's guard and throws a big left but Overeem blocks it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Johan Apanson had his way with Alistair Overeem in that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Overeem is looking to chop away at Apanson's legs.
Overeem throws a wild body kick that Apanson sees coming a mile off.
Apanson is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Overeem bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Apanson's head.
Overeem scores with a punch to the head.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Apanson.
Apanson throws a nice inside leg kick.
Apanson throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Overeem's waist but Overeem gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Apanson off to one side.
Apanson lands a nice shot to the body.
Overeem with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Overeem scores with a jab to the jaw.
Apanson blocks the body kick.
Overeem comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Overeem misses with a double jab.
Overeem throws out a token jab with nothing on it.

Apanson shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Overeem is trying to defend but Apanson finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Overeem works his way to full guard. Good work.
Apanson wants to control from the top but Overeem keeps moving.
Overeem utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Apanson working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Overeem is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Apanson trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Apanson controlling from the top position.
Overeem controls Apanson momentarily but Apanson frees himself.
Apanson pushes down on Overeem's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Apanson is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Overeem has one foot on Apanson's thigh - he pushes off and manages to get back to his feet.
Overeem lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Apanson ducks under a wild hook from Overeem.
Overeem throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Apanson throws a lazy uppercut
and Apanson takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Overeem pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Apanson is trying hard to land a takedown here. Overeem sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Apanson takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
A low kick from Apanson misses
and Overeem counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Apanson uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Overeem.
Apanson throws a leg kick but Overeem sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Apanson looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Apanson throws out a leg kick but Overeem moves out of range and Apanson only half commits.
Apanson delivers a nice body kick.
A swing and a miss from Apanson.
Overeem lands with a nice body punch.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Apanson throws a nice head kick!
Apanson blocks a head kick by Overeem.
Overeem throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Apanson on the side of the head.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Johan Apanson.
I think Apanson 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 Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 48:47
Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight 47:48
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Johan Apanson!
Johan Apanson retains his middleweight title!