PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Mee Vattalles (ranked 1214 p4p, 152 weight class) and Steve Cusumano (ranked 2933 p4p, 322 weight class). Vattalles's entrance music is JVG - Matti & Teppo . A fine choice. Cusumano has chosen Gamefire as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Vattalles
vs
Cusumano

178 cm
27
181 lbs
14 - 11 - 0

175 cm
29
180 lbs
11 - 7 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 14 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Mee Vattalles!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 11 - 7 - 0, fighting out of New York, Steve Cusumano!
The judges for this bout are Tarja Halkonen, Arvi Lind and Roosa Järviläinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cusumano avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Cusumano digs a good body shot into Vattalles's ribs.
Cusumano lands with a shot to the body.
Cusumano connects with a crisp jab.
Vattalles blocks a head kick by Cusumano.
Cusumano connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Vattalles's hands.
Cusumano misses with a combination
and Vattalles counters with a nice uppercut.

It looks like Steve Cusumano has been cut.
We've been informed that Cusumano 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.
Some wild striking there from Cusumano.
Vattalles throws a solid leg kick but Cusumano takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Vattalles.

Vattalles shoots in and gets a takedown into Cusumano's guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Vattalles won't allow Cusumano to sweep him here.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Cusumano is on top in guard.

Vattalles keeping moving, preventing Cusumano from controlling successfully.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cusumano has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Vattalles is proving hard to escape from.
Cusumano trying to control but Vattalles is working from the bottom.
Cusumano preventing the sweep.

Vattalles is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Cusumano is aware though and is defending well.
Cusumano stays in close to Vattalles's body and controls the position.
Cusumano trying to control but Vattalles is working from the bottom.
Cusumano trying to move into half guard but instead Vattalles has managed to sweep!

Cusumano is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Vattalles trying to control but Cusumano is working from the bottom.
Cusumano working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Vattalles.
Vattalles throwing strikes from guard but Cusumano blocks nicely.
Vattalles is fighting to break Cusumano's control of his arms but Cusumano is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Vattalles trying to control but Cusumano is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vattalles missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Vattalles trying to control but Cusumano is working from the bottom.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
A slow jab from Cusumano misses its intended target.
Vattalles wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Cusumano tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Vattalles was well out of range. Poor timing from Cusumano.
Vattalles lands with a hook. Cusumano tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Cusumano stuns Vattalles with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Cusumano moves forwards but Vattalles connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Cusumano misses with a series of wild punches.
Vattalles shoots in for a takedown but Cusumano shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Cusumano tried to score with a low kick but Vattalles checks it.
Vattalles shoots in for a takedown but Cusumano shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Cusumano swings away with a body shot that misses

and Vattalles holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Cusumano breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Vattalles fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mee Vattalles. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Vattalles shoots in for a takedown but Cusumano shows good takedown defense.
Cusumano comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Cusumano fails to land with a series of punches.
Cusumano steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Vattalles.
Vattalles tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

Vattalles scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Cusumano struggling a bit here.
Vattalles is looking to take a break and control but Cusumano is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Vattalles tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Steve Cusumano dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Steve Cusumano's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Cusumano is looking to chop away at Vattalles's legs.
Cusumano goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Cusumano throws a right and a left that Vattalles avoids nicely.
Vattalles shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Vattalles tries to clinch but Cusumano is having none of it.
Vattalles takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Steve Cusumano seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Vattalles will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.

Vattalles shoots in and gets a takedown into Cusumano's guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Vattalles won't allow Cusumano to sweep him here.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Vattalles's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Cusumano keeping moving, preventing Vattalles from controlling successfully.
Vattalles looking to pass the guard.
Cusumano trying to control the position here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cusumano keeping moving, preventing Vattalles from controlling successfully.
Cusumano avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Vattalles stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Cusumano swivels though and keeps the full guard.

Vattalles is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Cusumano is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Cusumano has escaped and now he's on top!

Vattalles has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Cusumano wants to pass the guard but Vattalles is keeping the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Vattalles is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Vattalles trying to advance position but Cusumano counters by regaining guard.
Vattalles cracks Cusumano with a solid left hand.
Cusumano working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Vattalles.
Vattalles is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Vattalles tries to free his leg and advance position but Cusumano is retaining full guard.
Vattalles passes Cusumano's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Mee Vattalles overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vattalles content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Vattalles working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.

Vattalles seems to be working for a kimura but Cusumano defends the submission attempt.
Vattalles thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Cusumano's head.
Vattalles looks to land a strike but Cusumano avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
Vattalles is stalling in the full guard.
We've been hearing that Vattalles has been drilling a lot of ground and pound in training, so let's see if he get the finish.
Vattalles preventing the sweep.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Vattalles tries to free his leg and advance position but Cusumano is retaining full guard.
Vattalles stands up over Cusumano, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Cusumano pulls Vattalles in close to prevent any damage.
Vattalles missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Cusumano can't keep his opponent in guard - Vattalles advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Vattalles with the ground and pound but Cusumano uses the opportunity to regain guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Vattalles trying to control the position from guard on top but Cusumano is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Vattalles missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Steve Cusumano will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Steve Cusumano's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Vattalles.
Cusumano throws a body punch but Vattalles moves out of range.
Vattalles tries to counter with a takedown but Cusumano is quick to defend against it.
Cusumano stuffs the takedown.
Cusumano throws a shot to the body.
Cusumano rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Vattalles moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
No luck for Vattalles with that takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mee Vattalles. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Vattalles tries to land a leg kick but Cusumano saw it coming and moves away.
Cusumano tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Vattalles was well out of range. Poor timing from Cusumano.
Vattalles swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Cusumano!
Cusumano has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Vattalles fails with the takedown.
Cusumano lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Vattalles shoots in but no luck this time.

Vattalles moves into the clinch successfully.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Cusumano's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Cusumano lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Vattalles at a distance.
Vattalles goes for a double leg but Cusumano avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Cusumano continues to drive forward.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Cusumano uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Vattalles.
Cusumano is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Vattalles rather than just go for the knockout.
Cusumano fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Vattalles lands a jab.
Mee Vattalles is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Vattalles throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Vattalles throws a series of punches but Cusumano moves out of range.
Cusumano misses with a two punch combination.
Cusumano defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Vattalles.
Cusumano with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Cusumano moves into range and connects with a jab.
Cusumano lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A jab from Cusumano finds it's way through Vattalles's defenses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cusumano throws a hook but Vattalles avoids it easily.
Vattalles takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Cusumano throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
A combination from Cusumano does no damage.
Cusumano lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Cusumano.
Cusumano misses with a hook. Vattalles ducked under it nicely.
Vattalles has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Cusumano finds it's way round the side to connect with Vattalles's head.
Vattalles changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Cusumano tries to avoid it but Vattalles manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Cusumano to the ground. Cusumano escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Cusumano scores with the left hand. Vattalles knows he should have avoided that one.
Cusumano scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.

Cusumano gets caught flat footed, as Vattalles shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.

Cusumano pushes Vattalles off and gets back to his feet.
Vattalles dives in for a single leg takedown but Cusumano sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Cusumano lands a nice shot to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cusumano throws a right and a left that Vattalles avoids nicely.

Vattalles shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Vattalles missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Vattalles wants to free his trapped foot but Cusumano is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Cusumano works his way to full guard. Good work.
Vattalles is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Vattalles stops Cusumano from standing up.
Cusumano keeping moving, preventing Vattalles from controlling successfully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Vattalles pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Cusumano is keeping the position for now.
Vattalles won't allow Cusumano to get back to his feet.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Vattalles sitting in guard, not really doing much.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Cusumano scores with a jab.
Cusumano misses with a straight left.
Vattalles changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Cusumano tries to avoid it but Vattalles manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Cusumano to the ground. Cusumano escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Cusumano checks a low kick from Vattalles.
Mee Vattalles has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Steve Cusumano is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

Vattalles looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Cusumano!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Vattalles wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Cusumano, who protects the arm well.

And that's the end of the fight!
Steve Cusumano comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Cusumano 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 Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 27:30
Judge Arvi Lind scores the fight 27:30
Judge Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Steve Cusumano!
During a confident post fight interview, Steve Cusumano thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.