PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Arttu Mahtisaari (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Koopa Troopa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Troopa is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Koopa Troopa. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Mahtisaari
vs
Troopa

178 cm
21
195 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

180 cm
30
195 lbs
10 - 4 - 1

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

Powerful takedowns
Good kicks
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Arttu Mahtisaari!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 4 - 1, fighting out of Hilo, Koopa Troopa!
The judges for this bout are Matti Vanhoillinen, Tarja Halkonen and Johanna Lukiainen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Troopa misses with a straight left.
Troopa closes the distance and clinches up with Mahtisaari, looking for a takedown. Troopa pushes Mahtisaari against the cage but Mahtisaari circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Mahtisaari lunges at Troopa with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Troopa's hand.
Mahtisaari misses with a looping left.
Mahtisaari avoids the body shot from Troopa.
Troopa keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Mahtisaari missing with a left hand there. Troopa was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Troopa works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Koopa Troopa seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Mahtisaari, as that shot connected.
A big left from Mahtisaari misses.
Troopa missing with a left hand there. Mahtisaari was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
A jab from Troopa misses.
Mahtisaari misses the shot to the body.
Troopa takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Troopa scores with a leg kick.
Mahtisaari lands a nice looking body shot.
Mahtisaari thuds his right hand into Troopa's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Arttu Mahtisaari is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mahtisaari stuffs the takedown.
Nice uppercut lands for Mahtisaari. That snapped Troopa's head back.
Troopa throws a sloppy body shot

and Mahtisaari moves into the clinch.
Mahtisaari has Troopa pressed against the cage.
Mahtisaari can't find room to land a body shot as Troopa controls the action.
Mahtisaari's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
A body shot lands from Troopa.
Mahtisaari lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
A head punch on the inside from Troopa fails to land.
Mahtisaari pushes Troopa back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Mahtisaari is stalling here.
Troopa doesn't land with the attempted body shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mahtisaari presses Troopa against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
A head punch on the inside from Troopa fails to land.
Mahtisaari blocks an uppercut.
Troopa misses with some punches.
Troopa prevents a body shot from Mahtisaari.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Mahtisaari lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Troopa.
Troopa misses with a hook from the clinch.
Mahtisaari tries to throw a body punch but Troopa avoids it by throwing Mahtisaari back against the cage.
Mahtisaari leaning against his opponent.
Mahtisaari lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Troopa jumps guard but Mahtisaari stands there with Troopa around his waist. Troopa gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Arttu Mahtisaari has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Koopa Troopa.
A right hand to the body from Mahtisaari.
Troopa doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Troopa.
Troopa is trying to break the clinch but Mahtisaari has him pressed against the cage.
Mahtisaari prevents the takedown attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Troopa tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Troopa throws a head punch that misses.
Mahtisaari works on Troopa's body with a couple of short punches.
Come on Mahtisaari - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Mahtisaari working some nice short punches in the clinch.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Mahtisaari.
Troopa wants to take the fight to the mat but Mahtisaari manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Mahtisaari is pressed up against the cage. Troopa has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Mahtisaari down to the mat. Mahtisaari avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Mahtisaari bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Troopa connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Troopa looks to land a body kick but Mahtisaari moved away.
Mahtisaari misses with a straight left.
Mahtisaari looks to throw the jab but Troopa is out of range.
Mahtisaari lands a slapping body shot.
Troopa shoots and misses
and Mahtisaari counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Mahtisaari slips a straight right by Troopa.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mahtisaari throws a looping overhand right but Troopa ducks down to avoid it.
Troopa misses with a looping right.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Troopa throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Troopa cracks Mahtisaari with an open hand slap.
Mahtisaari just misses with a punch to the body.
Mahtisaari comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Troopa uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Mahtisaari.
Troopa throws a chopping leg kick but Mahtisaari manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Mahtisaari connects with a body shot.
Troopa swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
A looping hook to the body misses from Mahtisaari. Troopa does a little dance to reset his feet.
Mahtisaari throws a body punch but Troopa moves out of range.
Mahtisaari misses with a straight right.
Mahtisaari misses with a straight left.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Arttu Mahtisaari dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Mahtisaari scores with a hook.
Troopa misses with a hook
and Mahtisaari counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Troopa lands with a straight right. Mahtisaari didn't see that one coming.
Troopa darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Troopa uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Mahtisaari.
Troopa connects with a nice looking jab.
Troopa throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Arttu Mahtisaari is winning the standup battle so far.
Troopa lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Mahtisaari at a distance.
Troopa cracks Mahtisaari with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Mahtisaari cracks Troopa with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Troopa connects with the punch.
Mahtisaari moves out of range of the strikes.
Troopa listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Troopa shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Mahtisaari as he jumps to the side.
Mahtisaari slips a jab from Troopa.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Troopa throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Troopa stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Troopa defending well as Mahtisaari loads up on a big left hand.
A jab from Troopa misses.
Mahtisaari moves out of range as Troopa strikes.
Troopa throws a hook but Mahtisaari blocks it.
Troopa moves away from the strike by Mahtisaari.
Troopa jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Troopa shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Mahtisaari pinned against the cage. Mahtisaari gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Troopa misses with an uppercut. Mahtisaari saw that one coming.
Mahtisaari looks to throw the jab but Troopa is out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Troopa misses with a takedown attempt - Mahtisaari sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Arttu Mahtisaari has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Koopa Troopa.
Mahtisaari scores with a body shot.
Mahtisaari takes a jab right on the kisser.
Mahtisaari looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Mahtisaari loads up on a big right hand but Troopa slips the punch.
Troopa pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Mahtisaari misses with a straight left.
Troopa scores with a jab.
Troopa slips under a jab from Mahtisaari.
A big left from Mahtisaari misses.
Mahtisaari thows a body shot but no joy.
Troopa needs to keep his hands up - Mahtisaari had a free shot at his head there.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Mahtisaari tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Troopa was well out of range. Poor timing from Mahtisaari.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mahtisaari leaves Troopa with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Mahtisaari stuffs the takedown attempt from Troopa. Troopa gets slowly back to his feet.
A jab from Troopa misses.
Troopa uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Mahtisaari.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Troopa changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Mahtisaari tries to avoid it but Troopa manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Mahtisaari to the ground. Mahtisaari escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Troopa ducks under a wild hook from Mahtisaari.
Mahtisaari throws a combination. Troopa tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Mahtisaari misses with the combination.
Troopa throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Mahtisaari sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Troopa cracks Mahtisaari with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Troopa uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mahtisaari tries to move into range but Troopa moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Troopa throws a hook but Mahtisaari blocks it.
Mahtisaari tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.

Troopa dives in and scores a takedown into Mahtisaari's guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Troopa throws a big elbow that misses.
Troopa slips nicely into half guard.
Mahtisaari is trying to control but can't.
Troopa lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Troopa is looking to stall here but Mahtisaari recovers full guard.
Mahtisaari wants to sweep but no luck.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Koopa Troopa will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!

Troopa takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Mahtisaari ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Troopa moves away.
Mahtisaari throws a hook to the side of Troopa's head but Troopa sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Troopa's corner calls for a 1-2. Troopa obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Troopa tries a low kick but Mahtisaari avoids it.
Decent striking displayed by Troopa there.
Troopa scores with a hook to the body. Mahtisaari takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Troopa needs to keep his hands up - Mahtisaari had a free shot at his head there.
Mahtisaari thows a left - swing and a miss!
Troopa throws a jab but it's blocked by Mahtisaari.
Troopa misses the shot to the body.
Troopa misses with an uppercut.
Troopa scores with a crisp jab that stopped Mahtisaari in his tracks.
Troopa takes a shot to the body in his stride.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mahtisaari takes a swing at Troopa's ribcage but misses.
Troopa gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Mahtisaari swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Mahtisaari jabs away that one connects to the head of his opponent.
Troopa misses with a hook.
Mahtisaari blocks a low kick nicely.
Mahtisaari needs to keep his hands up - Troopa had a free shot at his head there.
Mahtisaari takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
A slow jab from Troopa misses its intended target.
Mahtisaari throws the left hand but Troopa avoids the punch easily.
Troopa avoids the body shot from Mahtisaari.
Troopa shoots in for a double leg but Mahtisaari sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
A jab from Mahtisaari finds it's way through Troopa's defenses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Troopa staying out of range there.
Mahtisaari scores with a shot to the body.
Troopa walks into a stiff left hand from Mahtisaari.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Troopa lands with a hook. Mahtisaari tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Troopa takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Mahtisaari takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Troopa looks for a takedown but Mahtisaari sprawls well.
Troopa shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Arttu Mahtisaari has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Koopa Troopa.
Troopa takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Mahtisaari lands a nice hook to Troopa's body. Troopa takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Mahtisaari thuds a left hand into Troopa's body.
Troopa takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Mahtisaari scores with a hook.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mahtisaari scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Troopa shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Mahtisaari as he avoids it easily.
Mahtisaari cracks a nice hook into Troopa's ribs.
Troopa uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Mahtisaari.

Troopa tries to keep at a distance but Mahtisaari has taken the fight into the clinch.
The referee calls for Mahtisaari to work.
Mahtisaari is leaning against Troopa and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Mahtisaari works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Still in the clinch, Mahtisaari scores with a nice short uppercut.
Mahtisaari stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
A hook to the body from Mahtisaari.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
A right handed body shot lands from Mahtisaari.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mahtisaari cracks Troopa with a nice body shot.
Mahtisaari presses Troopa against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
A left hand lands to the body for Mahtisaari.
Mahtisaari scores with a hook to the body.
Mahtisaari lands with a light punch inside.
A right hand to the body from Mahtisaari.
Mahtisaari lands with a left to the head.
Mahtisaari content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Troopa wants to stall.
Arttu Mahtisaari has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Mahtisaari gets through Troopa's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Nice body punch from Mahtisaari - that landed with a thud.
Mahtisaari stalling.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Mahtisaari lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Mahtisaari digs a right hand into Troopa's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Troopa's gas tank.
Mahtisaari gets through Troopa's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Troopa takes a shot to the head.

And that's the end of the fight!
Arttu Mahtisaari showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Mahtisaari 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 Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight 29:28
Judge Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 29:28
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Arttu Mahtisaari!
After the fight, Arttu Mahtisaari was humble in paying tribute to his opponent but made it clear he wants to go on to bigger and better things. It seemed to go down well with the crowd who cheered him loudly.