PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Karl Kutowski (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Opie River (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kutowski's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, Absolute Beginner - Nie Nett. River comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Skillet - Monster kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Kutowski
vs
River

188 cm
25
214 lbs
9 - 2 - 1

188 cm
24
210 lbs
7 - 3 - 2

Good wrestling
World class MT
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

KAISER
FinnFighter Nutrition (Five 160Q supps!)

FinnFighter Nutrition (Five 160Q supps!)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 2 - 1, fighting out of St Petersburg, Karl Kutowski!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 3 - 2, fighting out of New York, Opie River!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Bishop, Paul Tew and James Ackerman.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
River takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Opie River seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

River shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Kutowski's guard.
Kutowski seems to have improved his submission grappling technique since last time we saw him. Let's see if he can pull off a submission.
Kutowski working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from River.
River postures up.
River stopping the sweep attempt from Kutowski.
River throws a big right hand that misses.
River won't allow Kutowski to sweep him here.
River sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Kutowski's guard.
Kutowski is pressing down on River's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
River prevents Kutowski from getting back to his feet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kutowski seems keen to control River's posture.
River trying to control the position from guard on top but Kutowski is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Kutowski wriggles free and stands up.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kutowski throws a push kick but River slaps the foot to one side.
Kutowski throws a nice inside leg kick.
River punishes Kutowski's body with a nice straight punch.
Kutowski is looking to land body kicks.
Kutowski tries a head kick but it misses.
A chopping leg kick lands by River.
We've been informed that River has been sparring a lot of Muay Thai in the buildup to this fight so let's see if that has an impact on the result.
Kutowski misses with a low kick.
River cracks Kutowski with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
River keeps the fight on the outside.
River lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
A combination from River does no damage.
River tests Kutowski's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Kutowski moves out of range of the body kick from River.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kutowski takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
River lands a body shot.
Kutowski looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Kutowski uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by River.
Kutowski dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on River. That did some damage!
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from River 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 Kutowski has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Kutowski and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Kutowski tries to close the distance and clinch up but River swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Kutowski tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
River throws a head kick but Kutowski moves out of range.
Kutowski throws an uppercut from half a mile away. River sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Kutowski throws a head kick that misses.
Kutowski looks to score with a jab to the body but River is just out of range.
Kutowski displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as River throws out the jab.
River rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Kutowski counters with a good low kick that River was not able to check.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
River goes for a double leg but Kutowski avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Kutowski continues to drive forward.
Kutowski swings wildly with an uppercut but River uses good head movement to avoid it.
River keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Kutowski's efforts to push away.
Kutowski with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Kutowski can't find room to land a body shot as River controls the action.
Kutowski misses with a hook from the clinch.
River lands a left hand that snaps the head of Kutowski backwards.
Kutowski scores with a shoulder strike.
River misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Kutowski lands a nice uppercut.
Kutowski throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but River blocks it with crossed arms.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Kutowski.
River tries to throw a body punch but Kutowski avoids it by throwing River back against the cage.
Kutowski throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but River blocks it with crossed arms.
River lands a hook to the side of the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kutowski throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but River blocks it with crossed arms.
River lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Kutowski backwards.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
River lands with a right to the head.
Still in the clinch, Kutowski scores with a nice short uppercut.
A head punch on the inside from Kutowski fails to land.
Kutowski looking to throw knees to the head but River is blocking nicely.
Kutowski prevents a body shot from River.
River tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kutowski's elbow.
River scores with a nice hook to the head.
Kutowski lands a body shot.
Kutowski misses with the head strike.
Kutowski tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Kutowski goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
River doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Kutowski with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
River fails to pull the fight into his guard.
River lands a hook to the side of the head.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Stalling in the clinch from Kutowski.
River lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Opie River will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

River swinging wildly here.
Kutowski ducks under a wild hook from River.
Kutowski tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
River ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
River cracks the inside of Kutowski's front leg.

Kutowski darts in and clinches River up against the cage.
River is working Kutowski over against the cage.
A short uppercut from River.
River misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Karl Kutowski has scored more points in the clinch so far.
River misses with a body punch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kutowski trying to stall but River improves his position.
River working some nice short punches in the clinch.
River blocking some punches.
Kutowski misses with a short punch on the inside.
A knee to the head by Kutowski.
River tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kutowski's elbow.

That's one minute gone in the round.
River blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Kutowski has River pushed against the cage.
Kutowski throws a knee to the head but misses.
River pushes Kutowski back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Kutowski tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
A short uppercut from River.
Kutowski takes a shot to the head.
Kutowski misses with a knee strike.
River working some nice short punches in the clinch.

Kutowski breaks from the clinch.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts River, as that shot connected.
River throws a body punch but Kutowski moves out of range.
Kutowski fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
River throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
River 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.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
River blocks a leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
River defending well as Kutowski loads up on a big left hand.
River scores with a hook.
River moves out of range as Kutowski throws a body kick.
River misses with a low kick.
River misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
River misses with an uppercut.
Kutowski lands a nice leg kick that just misses River's sensitive parts.
River connects with a body shot.
River moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Kutowski throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
River with a nice cross.
Kutowski drops his hands momentarily and River takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
River tries to land a front kick but Kutowski steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Kutowski checks a leg kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
River throws a body shot but no joy.
Nice body punch from River.
River dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Kutowski throws the left hand but River avoids the punch easily.
River throws a body shot but no joy.
Kutowski misses with a looping left.
River shoots in and drives through. Kutowski sprawls well.
Kutowski avoids the body shot from River.
River misses the shot to the body.
River lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
River misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kutowski.
River attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Kutowski swats away the attempt to clinch by River.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
River tries to clinch up but Kutowski circles away and keeps his distance.
Kutowski lands a slapping body shot.
River misses with a takedown attempt - Kutowski sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
River swings for the body but Kutowski moves out of range.
River tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kutowski was well out of range. Poor timing from River.
Kutowski tries to move into range but River moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
This has been an exciting period of action!
River throws a body kick that misses.
A right-left combo lands from Kutowski.
River tries to score a power double leg takedown but Kutowski sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten River somewhat.
Karl Kutowski has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Opie River.
A shot to the liver by River. Beautiful body shot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Opie River showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Kutowski tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Kutowski on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
River is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Kutowski rather than just go for the knockout.
Kutowski darts in and out, connecting with a jab.

River moves into the clinch.
River tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
River is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Kutowski is keeping busy.
River tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Kutowski looking to throw knees to the head but River is blocking nicely.
River has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
River blocks an uppercut.
Kutowski missing with knees to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kutowski tried to land a shot to the body but connects with River's elbow.
Kutowski doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
River tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kutowski's elbow.
River lands a left hand.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Kutowski.
River prevents a body shot from Kutowski.

That's one minute gone in the round.
River is trying to pull guard but Kutowski turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Kutowski prevents a takedown attempt there.
Kutowski has a couple of punches blocked by River.
Kutowski looking to stall.
River struggles to land a body shot inside as Kutowski controls his hands.
River throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Kutowski lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
River misses with a punch to the body.
Kutowski lands a body shot in the clinch.
River throws a punch but it's blocked by Kutowski.
River tries to work over Kutowski's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Kutowski is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. River is defending well for now.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Kutowski.
River jumps guard but Kutowski stands there with River around his waist. River gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Karl Kutowski has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Opie River.
Kutowski with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kutowski tries a knee to the head but River blocks it.
Kutowski is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. River is defending well for now.
River on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Kutowski misses with a knee strike.
Kutowski misses with the head strike.
Kutowski throws a knee to the head but misses.
A right hand to the body from River.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
River lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
A frustrated look appears on Kutowski's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Kutowski misses with the head strike.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
River lands an uppercut.
Kutowski lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Kutowski throws a punch but it's blocked by River.
A right hook to the body lands for River.
Kutowski misses with some punches.
A short right from River on the inside.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
River stalling the fight.
Kutowski is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
River doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
River lands a hook that snaps the head of Kutowski backwards.
River effectively controlling the action here.
Kutowski doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Kutowski tries to land a knee to the head but River blocks with his arms.
River struggles to land a body shot inside as Kutowski controls his hands.
Kutowski throws a punch but it's blocked by River.
Kutowski misses with a short punch on the inside.
Kutowski lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Kutowski tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
River tries to work over Kutowski's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Kutowski has a couple of punches blocked by River.
River works on Kutowski's body with a couple of short punches.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
River lands a shoulder strike.
A short right from Kutowski.
Kutowski tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
River blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
A knee to the head by Kutowski.
River lands a left hand.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kutowski looking to throw knees to the head but River is blocking nicely.
River doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Kutowski is looking to break free of the clinch but River has double underhooks.
Come on River - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Kutowski tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Kutowski'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.
River lands a nice uppercut.
Kutowski blocks a body shot from River.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Karl Kutowski did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Kutowski throws a hard body shot but it just misses.

Kutowski closes the distance and clinches.
Kutowski tries to throw a body punch but River avoids it by throwing Kutowski back against the cage.
River tries to work over Kutowski's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
A right hand to the body from Kutowski.
River presses Kutowski against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
River doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
River takes a knee right on the jaw!
River misses with a hook to the ribs.
River is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Kutowski to keep the fight standing.
River blocks an uppercut.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
River tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kutowski's elbow.
River blocking some punches.
Kutowski lands with a right to the head.
Kutowski struggles to land a body shot inside as River controls his hands.
Kutowski tries to stall but River uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Kutowski tries a body shot but River blocks it.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Kutowski breaks the clinch.
Kutowski moves out of range of the body kick.
River takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Kutowski moves out of range of the body kick from River.
River with a nice cross.
River looks for a takedown but Kutowski sprawls well.
Left hook, right uppercut from River.
River takes a swing at Kutowski's ribcage but misses.
River on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Kutowski takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
River jabbing away but nothing is landing.
River fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kutowski manages to avoid it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kutowski digs a good body shot into River's ribs.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kutowski circles away from the clinch attempt.
River misses with a looping right.
Kutowski is looking to slow River down with leg kicks.
River feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Kutowskis jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
River tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Kutowski defends well and River ends up having to push Kutowski into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Karl Kutowski has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Opie River.
River misses with a body punch.
Kutowski tried to land a shot to the body but connects with River's elbow.
Kutowski misses with a knee to the head.

Kutowski breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Kutowski is looking to score with low kicks.
Karl Kutowski is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Kutowski just misses with a punch to the body.
River connects with a body shot that sends Kutowski's belly button to the back.
River takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kutowski throws a big shot that misses.
A solid leg kick lands there for Kutowski.
Kutowski lands a nice leg kick that just misses River's sensitive parts.
Kutowski is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
A nice inside leg kick there by Kutowski. That's going to slow River down.
Kutowski throws a leg kick but River sees it coming and moves out of range.
River throws a body punch but Kutowski moves out of range.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by River.
Kutowski throws a lazy right hand but River sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
River misses with a two punch combination.
Kutowski wants to clinch.
Kutowski throws a nice inside leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
River shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Kutowski as he avoids it easily.
River takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
River misses with a body punch
and Kutowski counters with a nice low kick that buckles River's knee momentarily.
Kutowski tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
River tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Kutowski paws at him with a jab and circles away.
River misses with a wild body shot.
Good standup being displayed there by River as he connects with a hook.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kutowski throws the kick towards the body but River avoids it.
River keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
River fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
A slapping leg kick lands for River.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Karl Kutowski had his way with Opie River in that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Kutowski looks to score with a jab to the body but River is just out of range.
Kutowski misses with a kick to the body.
Kutowski throws a head kick but River moves out of range.
Kutowski moves out of range of the leg kick from River.
Opie River seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Jab by River.
Kutowski throws a sloppy head kick and River moves out of range easily.
River looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Kutowski is fending him off so far but River persists. Nope, Kutowski circles away and we're back to standing.
River looks to land a left hand but Kutowski moved out of range nicely.
Kutowski tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

River shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Kutowski manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Kutowski controlling the position.
Kutowski is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kutowski wants to sweep but no luck.
River chips away with some ground and pound.
River is working Kutowski over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Kutowski keeping moving, preventing River from controlling successfully.
Kutowski utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
River wants to pass the guard but Kutowski is keeping the position.
Opie River has got the better of the ground game so far.
Kutowski keeping moving, preventing River from controlling successfully.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Kutowski stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from River.
River tries to land a front kick but Kutowski steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Nice shot lands for Kutowski.
Some bone on bone action there as Kutowski checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Kutowski keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
River throws an ugly left hook that misses
letting Kutowski counter with a right hand.
Kutowski uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by River.
Kutowski ducks under a wild hook from River.
River scores with a leg kick.
River avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Kutowski wants to land a leg kick but River is out of range.
River moves out of range of the body kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kutowski delivers a nice body kick.
River feints and then cracks Kutowski's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Kutowski down.
River feints and then cracks Kutowski's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Kutowski down.
Kutowski jabs at River's body.
River blocks a leg kick.

River closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Kutowski quickly recovers to half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kutowski blocking the ground and pound attempt from River.
River wants to pass to mount but Kutowski is defending the position.
River trying to control the action but Kutowski is working from the bottom.
River landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kutowski wants to improve his position but River is controlling well.
River wants to lay and pray for a moment but Kutowski keeps working.

River is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Kutowski defends it well.
Kutowski is pressing down on River's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Kutowski keeping full guard, as River tries to pass.
River has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Kutowski looking for a sweep. Not yet Kutowski, not yet.

And that's the end of the fight!
Opie River comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think River 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Daniel Bishop scores the fight 47:48
Judge Paul Tew scores the fight 47:48
Judge James Ackerman scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Opie River!
Opie River took to the microphone after his victory and thanked his sponsors, FinnFighter Nutrition (Five 160Q supps!) for their support in the buildup to the fight.