PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between James Potkukelkka (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Vevrin Betlach (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Betlach comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Zombie kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Potkukelkka
vs
Betlach

170 cm
31
154 lbs
24 - 13 - 0

176 cm
38
151 lbs
45 - 22 - 1

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
World class MT
Granite chin

Milwaukee's Best 160

Heisenberg
Bloodlust Horde Fightwear

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 24 - 13 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, James Potkukelkka!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 45 - 22 - 1, fighting out of Amsterdam, Vevrin Betlach!
The judges for this bout are Timothy Bukovac, Jack Bonds and Don Winkell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A solid leg kick lands there for Betlach.
Potkukelkka cracks Betlach with a good jab.
Betlach rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Potkukelkka moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Potkukelkka swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Betlach scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Potkukelkka doesn't seem bothered though.
Some bone on bone action there as Betlach checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Potkukelkka slips a straight right by Betlach.
Betlach avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Potkukelkka has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Betlach.
Betlach lands a jab to the head.
Betlach lands with a kick to the ribs.
Betlach tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Potkukelkka was well out of range. Poor timing from Betlach.
Betlach thows a body shot but no joy.
Betlach throws a shot from downtown. Potkukelkka moves away and avoids it.
Betlach swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Betlach moves into range and lands a nice 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!
Betlach misses with a hook. Potkukelkka ducked under it nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Potkukelkka blocks a low kick nicely.
Good work by Betlach as he checks the leg kick.
Betlach tries a head kick but it misses.
We've been hearing reports that Potkukelkka has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
Potkukelkka throws a hook but Betlach avoids it easily.
Nice body kick there by Betlach.
Potkukelkka slips under a jab from Betlach.
Potkukelkka on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Betlach lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Potkukelkka takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Betlach lands a front kick.
Potkukelkka defending well as Betlach loads up on a big left hand.
Betlach turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Potkukelkka keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Potkukelkka needs to keep his hands up - Betlach had a free shot at his head there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Betlach fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Potkukelkka has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Potkukelkka misses with a low kick.
Betlach misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Potkukelkka.
Betlach throws a solid leg kick but Potkukelkka takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Betlach.
A big right from Potkukelkka misses.
Potkukelkka thows a body shot but no joy.
Betlach paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Potkukelkka scores with a spinning back kick!
That kick from Betlach tenderised Potkukelkka's leg. Potkukelkka is trying to keep his angry face on.
Potkukelkka takes a jab right on the kisser.
Potkukelkka moves away from the strike by Betlach.

Potkukelkka looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Betlach has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Potkukelkka is working away from the top position though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Potkukelkka slips a nice elbow through Betlach's hands, connecting with Betlach's forehead.
Potkukelkka missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Potkukelkka is looking to take a break and control but Betlach is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Betlach blocking the ground and pound attempt from Potkukelkka.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Potkukelkka in particular looking to stall.
Potkukelkka winds up and cracks Betlach with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Potkukelkka sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Betlach defending well though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Potkukelkka sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Betlach defending well though.
Potkukelkka wants to pass the guard but Betlach is defending well.
Betlach is staying active underneath Potkukelkka, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Potkukelkka is pressing down on Betlach's thigh, looking to free his foot. Betlach is holding on for now.

Potkukelkka wants to work for an arm triangle but Betlach is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Potkukelkka trying to control from half guard but Betlach is working away.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Potkukelkka missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Betlach tries to roll over but Potkukelkka keeps him under control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Potkukelkka uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Betlach.
Potkukelkka lands with a kick to the ribs.
Potkukelkka fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Potkukelkka tries for a takedown but Betlach sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Vevrin Betlach seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Potkukelkka fails with a takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for James Potkukelkka. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Betlach throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Potkukelkka on the side of the head.
Potkukelkka checks the leg kick nicely there.
Betlach finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Betlach looks to score with a jab to the body but Potkukelkka is just out of range.
Betlach throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Potkukelkka misses with a body punch
and Betlach counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Potkukelkka looks to throw the jab but Betlach is out of range.
A clash of legs there as Potkukelkka blocks the low kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Potkukelkka has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Betlach.
Betlach throws a leg kick but Potkukelkka moved away.
Potkukelkka attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Betlach pivots, looking for a leg kick but Potkukelkka is out of range and Betlach settles back down.
Potkukelkka checks a low kick from Betlach.
Potkukelkka moves forwards but Betlach connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Betlach throws a sloppy body shot

so Potkukelkka counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Potkukelkka wants to control from the top but Betlach keeps moving.
Betlach working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Potkukelkka.
Potkukelkka is working Betlach over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Potkukelkka wants to control from the top but Betlach keeps moving.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Betlach is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Betlach is adopting a defensive guard.
Potkukelkka with a flurry of punches that miss.
Betlach trying to keep a closed guard but Potkukelkka is proving a slippery customer.
Potkukelkka loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Potkukelkka wants to pass the guard but Betlach is keeping the position.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Potkukelkka accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Potkukelkka pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Betlach is keeping the position for now.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Betlach bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Potkukelkka's guard.
Potkukelkka is trying to keep Betlach in close.
Betlach wants to pass the guard but Potkukelkka is keeping the position.
Potkukelkka not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Potkukelkka wants to sweep here but Betlach controlling him for the moment.
Betlach advances position into side control!

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Betlach goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, Potkukelkka rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Betlach's guard! Nice work there by Potkukelkka!
Potkukelkka missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Potkukelkka preventing the sweep.

Betlach escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Potkukelkka gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Potkukelkka trying to control but Betlach is working from the bottom.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that James Potkukelkka will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Nice sprawl there from Betlach as Potkukelkka shoots in.
Betlach bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Betlach lands a slapping body shot.
Potkukelkka avoids a kick to the body.
Betlach throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Betlach fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Betlach swings for the body but Potkukelkka moves out of range.
Betlach thuds a left hand into Potkukelkka's body.
Potkukelkka 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.
Potkukelkka throws a looping overhand right but Betlach ducks down to avoid it.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Betlach. Potkukelkka shrugs it off though.
Potkukelkka lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Potkukelkka takes a body punch but keeps moving.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Potkukelkka swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Potkukelkka chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Betlach can pounce on him.
Vevrin Betlach seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Betlach throws a low kick but it's checked well by Potkukelkka.
A bone on bone clash there as Potkukelkka blocks the leg kick.
Betlach wants to slow Potkukelkka down by chopping away at his legs.
Potkukelkka cracks Betlach with a right hand to the side of the head.
Betlach throws a leg kick which misses Potkukelkka's front leg but catches the back leg as Potkukelkka tries to avoid it.
Potkukelkka throws a nice inside leg kick.
Betlach bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Potkukelkka's head.
Betlach lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Potkukelkka circles away quickly and effectively.
Betlach loads up on a big right hand but Potkukelkka slips the punch.
Potkukelkka on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Betlach displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Potkukelkka.
A shot to the liver by Betlach. Beautiful body shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Potkukelkka slips a jab from Betlach.
Betlach works over Potkukelkka's head and body with a nice combination.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Betlach misses with a low kick as Potkukelkka jumps back.
Potkukelkka throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Some bone on bone action there as Potkukelkka checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Potkukelkka lands the left hand.
Sloppy strikes from Potkukelkka. Those never looked like landing.
A looping hook to the body misses from Betlach. Potkukelkka does a little dance to reset his feet.
Potkukelkka takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Betlach slips under a jab.
Potkukelkka moves out of range of the body kick.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Betlach. Potkukelkka shrugs it off though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Potkukelkka shoots in but Betlach avoids the takedown attempt easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for James Potkukelkka. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Betlach swings for the body but Potkukelkka moves out of range.
Potkukelkka throws a chopping leg kick but Betlach manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
A jab from Betlach misses.
Betlach throws a hook but Potkukelkka blocks it.
A telegraphed right hand from Potkukelkka misses the target.
Betlach throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Betlach throws a leg kick

and Potkukelkka counters with a shoot takedown. Betlach fights it but they end up in guard.
Potkukelkka wants to control from the top but Betlach keeps moving.
Potkukelkka missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Betlach is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Betlach is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Potkukelkka is just riding it out for now. Betlach eventually gives up the hold.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Potkukelkka is looking to control Betlach's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Potkukelkka avoid being mounted?
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Betlach trying to control the action but Potkukelkka is working from the bottom.
Potkukelkka trying to control from the bottom.

And that's the end of the fight!
Vevrin Betlach comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Betlach has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 28:29
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 28:30
Judge Don Winkell scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Vevrin Betlach!
A relieved looking Vevrin Betlach thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.