PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Daigo Asai (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Possu Jokinen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Possu Jokinen has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Asai
vs
Jokinen

175 cm
22
165 lbs
8 - 5 - 0

178 cm
22
167 lbs
8 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
World class MT
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Perkele!

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 8 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Daigo Asai!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Possu Jokinen!
The judges for this bout are Yukihiro Yamamoto, Shigeki Sano and Sosuke Kotani.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Jokinen tries for a takedown but Asai sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Jokinen works over Asai's head and body with a nice combination.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Asai shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
A jab from Jokinen misses.
Asai tries to clinch but Jokinen moves out of range.

Asai rushes Jokinen and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Jokinen tries for a takedown but Asai manages to get underhooks.

Jokinen has clasped his hands together around Asai's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Asai gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Jokinen is trying to control the action in half guard but Asai is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Jokinen perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Asai is looking to improve his position.
Asai is looking to control Jokinen's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Asai avoid being mounted?

That's one minute gone in the round.

Jokinen seems to be looking for submissions.
Jokinen perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
Asai is looking for a sweep. Jokinen is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Jokinen prevents Asai from standing back up.
Jokinen slows the pace down in half guard.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Asai pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Asai throws a low kick but Jokinen avoids it.
Asai keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Asai is looking to clinch but Jokinen is avoiding it.
Asai avoids a punch combination nicely.
Asai slips under a jab.
Asai lands a jab to the head.

Jokinen closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Jokinen lands in his opponent's guard.
Asai keeping full guard, as Jokinen tries to pass.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Asai manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Asai throwing sloppy strikes here. Perhaps if he tightened up his striking from such a dominant position, he'd be able to finish easier.
Jokinen wants to hold on but Asai pushes him away.
Jokinen slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Asai tries to stand and escape but Jokinen is controlling the position.
Jokinen blocking the ground and pound attempt from Asai.
Jokinen moves into full guard.
Asai pushes down on Jokinen's leg and manages to get into half guard.
It looks like Asai is going to stand back up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jokinen blocking the ground and pound attempt from Asai.
Jokinen is looking for a sweep. Asai is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Jokinen moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Jokinen controls Asai momentarily but Asai frees himself.
Jokinen is pulling down on Asai's head. It's preventing any offense from Asai, at least for the moment.
Asai wanted to stand there but Jokinen had control of the position.
Jokinen is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Asai throws a big right hand that misses.
Asai postures up.

Possu Jokinen has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
Asai displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
Asai misses with a few strikes there.
Asai throws a head kick that misses.
Asai tries to clinch up.
Jokinen fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Asai is out of range.
Jokinen looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Jokinen just misses with a punch to the body.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A head kick misses from Asai.
Jokinen misses with a straight left.
Jokinen misses with a body shot.
Jokinen circles away from the clinch attempt.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Asai moves out of range of the body kick from Jokinen.
Jokinen fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Asai avoids it really well and circles away.
Daigo Asai has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Possu Jokinen.
Jokinen lands a nice shot to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Possu Jokinen will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action!

Asai looks to throw the jab but Jokinen is out of range.
Jokinen bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Asai's head backwards.
Asai closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Jokinen slips under a jab.
Asai tries to clinch but Jokinen moves out of range.
Jokinen lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Asai circles away quickly and effectively.
The fight stays on the outside here - Asai looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

Jokinen closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Asai is not content to let Jokinen control the position.
Asai has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Jokinen is working away from the top position though.
Asai is trying to get back to full guard.
Asai taking some punishment here, with Jokinen in his half guard.
Jokinen throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Asai missing with punches from the bottom.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Asai is trying to stand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Asai trying to control from the bottom.
Jokinen slows the pace down in half guard.
Asai pushes Jokinen off looking to stand but Jokinen dives back in and keeps control.
Asai keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Jokinen controlling the action here.
Asai tries to get to full guard but Jokinen has control of the leg.
Jokinen wants to free his trapped foot but Asai is holding on for dear life with his legs.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Jokinen connects with a body shot.
Jokinen swinging wildly here.
Asai takes one on the chin but keeps coming.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jokinen throws a right and a left that both miss.
Jokinen lands with a hook. Asai tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Jokinen tries a head kick but it misses.
Asai avoids a punch combination nicely.
Asai scoring well with a low kick there.
Jokinen looks to throw the jab but Asai is out of range.
Asai fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Jokinen has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Asai connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Jokinen throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Asai sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Jokinen lands a nice shot that snaps Asai's head back.
Jokinen throws a right and a left that Asai avoids nicely.
Jokinen goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Jokinen shoots in looking for a takedown. Asai tries to sprawl out of it but Jokinen keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Asai manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
That kick from Asai tenderised Jokinen's leg. Jokinen is trying to keep his angry face on.
Jokinen is breathing heavily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Jokinen tries to keep at a distance but Asai has taken the fight into the clinch.
Jokinen drops down looking for an ankle pick but Asai pulls his leg out and moves away.
Jokinen ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Asai moves away.
Asai lands a nice hook to Jokinen's body. Jokinen takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Jokinen!
Asai throws a nice head kick!
Jokinen dives in and grabs Asai's left leg, looking for a takedown. Asai pushes down on Jokinen's head and hops out.
Daigo Asai has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Possu Jokinen.
Jokinen takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Jokinen lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Jokinen throws a series of punches but Asai avoids them all with ease.
Jokinen thows a body shot but no joy.
A chopping leg kick lands by Asai.
Asai scores with the left hand. Jokinen knows he should have avoided that one.
A jab from Jokinen misses.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Asai scores with a body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Asai thuds his right hand into Jokinen's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.

Jokinen feints and as Asai raises his hands in defense, Jokinen changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Asai wants to sweep but no luck.
Asai wants to improve his position but instead Jokinen has moved into half guard.
Asai missing with punches from the bottom.
Asai tries to get to full guard but Jokinen has control of the leg.
Jokinen slips a nice elbow through Asai's hands, connecting with Asai's forehead.
Possu Jokinen has got the better of the ground game so far.
Asai tries to kick Jokinen off but Jokinen keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Jokinen trying to pass the guard but Asai defending well.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Jokinen is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Asai is looking to improve his position.
Jokinen slows the pace down in half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Possu Jokinen will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Jokinen throws a body punch but Asai moves out of range.
Asai throws a lazy right hand but Jokinen sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Jokinen throws a one two combo.
Asai tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Jokinen manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Asai throws a sloppy head kick and Jokinen moves out of range easily.
Asai with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Asai throws a right hand that Jokinen ducks under and follows up with a left that Jokinen also avoids with ease.

Jokinen fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Asai sprawls well initially but Jokinen persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Asai makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Asai.
Asai manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Jokinen manages to get himself to full guard.
Jokinen tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Jokinen trying to control the position.

Jokinen looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Asai postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Asai wanted to stand there but Jokinen had control of the position.
Jokinen working a defensive guard here.
Jokinen wants to sweep here but Asai controlling him for the moment.
Jokinen is striking but Asai is not phased and passes to half guard.
Jokinen works his way to full guard. Good work.
Asai is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jokinen trying to keep a closed guard but Asai is proving a slippery customer.
Jokinen wants to sweep here but Asai controlling him for the moment.
Asai is fighting to break Jokinen's control of his arms but Jokinen is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.

Jokinen looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Asai has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Jokinen is proving hard to escape from.
Asai throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Asai preventing the sweep.
Asai tries to stand but Jokinen is controlling from the bottom.
Asai postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Asai has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Jokinen is proving hard to escape from.
Asai postures up in Jokinen's guard and throws a big left but Jokinen blocks it.
Jokinen looking to hit a scissor sweep but Asai is one step ahead there.
Jokinen seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.

Asai stands up from Jokinen's guard - Asai perhaps looking for a knockout.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Jokinen misses with a combination
and Asai counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Jokinen scores with a hook.
Asai jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Jokinen connects with a body shot.
Daigo Asai is winning the standup battle so far.
Jokinen keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Possu Jokinen seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Jokinen takes a jab right on the kisser.
Asai throws a shot from downtown. Jokinen moves away and avoids it.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Asai.
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!
Jokinen swats away the attempt to clinch by Asai.
Jokinen throws a lazy right hand but Asai sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Jokinen pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Possu Jokinen is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Jokinen swings and misses with a hook to the body.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Asai tries to close the distance and clinch but Jokinen swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Asai throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Daigo Asai has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Jokinen works Asai's body with a nice hook.
Jokinen throws a wild combination but nothing lands.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Possu Jokinen.
I've got Jokinen winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Yukihiro Yamamoto scores the fight 27:30
Judge Shigeki Sano scores the fight 27:30
Judge Sosuke Kotani scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Possu Jokinen!