PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between John Taslim (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Pasi Pulkannaru (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Taslim kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is La Coka Nostra - . Pulkannaru has chosen Judas Priest - Pain Killer as his entrance music. 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.

Taslim
vs
Pulkannaru

175 cm
29
170 lbs
9 - 9 - 0

206 cm
31
162 lbs
3 - 13 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Granite chin

Decent wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

THE END 32

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 9 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, John Taslim!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 13 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Pasi Pulkannaru!
The judges for this bout are Anni Minnemäki, Matti Vanhoillinen and Tarja Halkonen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Taslim fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Pulkannaru defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Taslim.
Taslim throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
We've been hearing reports that Taslim has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
Pulkannaru showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Taslim.

Taslim clinches with his opponent.
Taslim has Pulkannaru pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Pulkannaru manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for John Taslim. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Pulkannaru tries to circle away but Taslim has him pinned against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Pulkannaru lands a nice knee to the body.

Taslim gets double underhooks and manages to take the fight to the ground.
Pulkannaru avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Pulkannaru is controlling Taslim's posture.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Taslim won't allow Pulkannaru to sweep him here.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Pulkannaru is controlling Taslim's posture.

Pulkannaru uses the cage to get back to his feet.
Left hook, right uppercut from Pulkannaru.
Pulkannaru blocks a head kick by Taslim.

Taslim pushes Pulkannaru up against the cage in a clinch.

Pulkannaru breaks the clinch.
Taslim misses with a combination
and Pulkannaru counters with a series of strikes. Taslim will be more careful next time no doubt.
Taslim with a poor takedown
and Pulkannaru counters with a straight right hand.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Taslim misses with a lunging right hand
and Pulkannaru counters with a nice body shot.
Taslim with a body punch. A glancing blow.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Taslim fails with the takedown.
Taslim takes one to the side of the head.
Taslim throws a right hand that Pulkannaru ducks under and follows up with a left that Pulkannaru also avoids with ease.
Pulkannaru displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Taslim.
Jab from Pulkannaru.
Pulkannaru pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Taslim back to the cage. Pulkannaru follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.

Taslim shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Pulkannaru is trying to stand up here but Taslim is controlling him well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pulkannaru regains full guard. Nicely done.

Pulkannaru working away from the bottom but not quite defensive enough there because Taslim has passed into half guard!
Taslim prevents Pulkannaru from improving his position.
Pulkannaru is controlling Taslim's trapped leg to prevent Taslim from advancing to side control.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Pulkannaru can do anything to dispel that myth.
Taslim throwing shots but Pulkannaru is blocking nicely.
Taslim looks to land a strike but Pulkannaru avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
Taslim trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Taslim trying to control but Pulkannaru is working from the bottom.
Taslim controlling from the top position.
Taslim loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Taslim in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Taslim is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Taslim won't allow Pulkannaru to get back to his feet.
Taslim pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Pulkannaru is keeping the position for now.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Pulkannaru shoots in for a takedown but Taslim shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Pasi Pulkannaru dominated that round.
That's time! Taslim's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Pulkannaru misses with a jab, cross combination.
Pulkannaru throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Pulkannaru.
Taslim tries to clinch but Pulkannaru is having none of it.
Taslim throws a head kick but Pulkannaru moves out of range.
Taslim throws a right hand that Pulkannaru ducks under and follows up with a left that Pulkannaru also avoids with ease.
Pulkannaru looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Horrible takedown attempt by Pulkannaru or perhaps it was just good defense by Taslim, which made it look bad.
Pulkannaru throws a wild body kick that Taslim sees coming a mile off.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Taslim showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Pulkannaru.
Taslim throws a head kick that misses.
Pulkannaru swats away the attempt to clinch by Taslim.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Pulkannaru has taken the fight to the clinch.

Pulkannaru's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Pulkannaru.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Pulkannaru.
Pulkannaru fakes the leg kick and cracks Taslim in the body.
Pulkannaru throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Taslim on the side of the head.
The fighters circling - Taslim throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Pulkannaru misses with a two punch combination.
Pulkannaru tries a head kick but it misses.
Taslim looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Taslim throws out a leg kick but Pulkannaru moves out of range and Taslim only half commits.
Pasi Pulkannaru seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Taslim goes for a double leg but Pulkannaru avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Pulkannaru continues to drive forward.
John Taslim is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Taslim tries to clinch up
letting Pulkannaru counter with a right hand.
Taslim ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Pulkannaru moves away.
Taslim fails to land with a series of punches.
Pulkannaru tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Taslim looks to score with a jab to the body but Pulkannaru is just out of range.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
The fight stays on the outside here - Taslim looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Taslim pulls out of a head kick attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Taslim goes for a double leg but Pulkannaru avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Pulkannaru continues to drive forward.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for John Taslim. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Taslim fails in his attempt to clinch.
No luck for Taslim with that takedown attempt.
Pulkannaru misses with a body kick.
Taslim lifts his leg as if looking to counter with a high kick.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Pulkannaru. Taslim shrugs it off though.

Taslim tries to sprawl but Pulkannaru drives through with a takedown into half guard.

Taslim kicks Pulkannaru off and gets back to his feet.
Pulkannaru is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Taslim fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Taslim moves to clinch but Pulkannaru breaks away
and Pulkannaru counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
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!
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Pulkannaru.
Taslim blocks a head kick by Pulkannaru.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Taslim looks to land a combination but Pulkannaru avoids it well.
Pulkannaru throws a head kick that misses
and Taslim counters with a three punch combo that has Pulkannaru backing up. Pulkannaru nods at Taslim to acknowledge the strikes.
Pulkannaru uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Taslim.
Taslim fails with the takedown
and Pulkannaru counters with a stiff right hand.
Pulkannaru fakes the leg kick and cracks Taslim in the body.
Pulkannaru throws a head kick that misses.
Taslim fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Pulkannaru replies with a solid counter kick to the body but Taslim blocks it well.
Pulkannaru scores with a kick to the midsection.
Pulkannaru with a nice cross.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Pasi Pulkannaru 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. This is the final round!

Pulkannaru throws a front kick that sends Taslim stumbling back into the cage.
Pulkannaru jabs at Taslim's body.

Pulkannaru gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Taslim to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Pulkannaru is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.

Pulkannaru is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Pulkannaru holds on and takes a little breather.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Taslim trying to control the position from guard on top but Pulkannaru is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Pulkannaru working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Taslim.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Taslim stops Pulkannaru from standing up.
Taslim trying to control the position from guard on top but Pulkannaru is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Taslim lands a couple of digs.
Pulkannaru is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Pulkannaru is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.
John Taslim overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Pulkannaru avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Taslim misses with a takedown attempt - Pulkannaru sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Pulkannaru misses with a head kick.
A quick step to the side and Taslim tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Taslim misses with a few strikes there.
Taslim tries to clinch but Pulkannaru is having none of it.
Pulkannaru has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Taslim throws the kick towards the body but Pulkannaru avoids it.
Taslim takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Pulkannaru tries to clinch but Taslim moves out of range.
Pulkannaru has been working his punching technique in the buildup to the fight and it appears to be paying off.
Taslim will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Taslim misses with a lunging right hand
and Pulkannaru counters with a one-two to the body.
Taslim swats away the attempt to clinch by Pulkannaru.
Pulkannaru misses with a double jab.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Taslim.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pulkannaru slips a jab and a cross from Taslim.
Taslim gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Pulkannaru counters with a one-two to the body.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for John Taslim. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Taslim has a takedown stuffed.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Taslim blocks a head kick by Pulkannaru.
Taslim swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.

Pulkannaru closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Taslim regains half guard there - taking advantage of Pulkannaru's attempt to lay and pray for a moment.
Taslim missing with punches from the bottom.
Pasi Pulkannaru is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Pulkannaru escapes and gets back to his feet.
Pulkannaru misses with an attempted mid kick.
Taslim thinks about countering with a body kick.
Pulkannaru lands a two punch combo.
John Taslim has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
This has been an exciting period of action!
A looping hook to the body misses from Pulkannaru. Taslim does a little dance to reset his feet.
Pulkannaru defending well as Taslim loads up on a big left hand.
Nice sprawl there from Pulkannaru as Taslim shoots in.
Pulkannaru is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
Taslim is really struggling to find his range with his punches. Pulkannaru's reach advantage is clearly causing him problems.
Taslim moves out of range of the body kick.
Taslim wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.

Taslim clinches with his opponent.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Pulkannaru lands a nice knee to the body.

Pulkannaru jumps guard and drags Taslim to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.

And that's the end of the fight!
Pasi Pulkannaru comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Pulkannaru 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 Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 27:30
Judge Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight 27:30
Judge Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Pasi Pulkannaru!
An out of breath Pasi Pulkannaru thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.