PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Willy Mataitai (ranked 2047 p4p, 3813 weight class) and Tarmo Rajantaka (ranked 283 p4p, 481 weight class). Well, I have no idea who's going to take this one!

Mataitai
vs
Rajantaka

195 cm
21
215
3 - 1 - 0

187 cm
20
213
3 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent MT
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Dangerous knees
Good gas tank

Brooklyn Apothecary
Distinct Label

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Willy Mataitai!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Tarmo Rajantaka!
The judges for this bout are Paul Aken, Paulsen Ambrosius and Aafke Stam.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rajantaka wants to clinch up but Mataitai keeps it at a distance.
Mataitai defending well as Rajantaka loads up on a big left hand.
Rajantaka is looking to clinch but Mataitai is avoiding it.
We've been told by Mataitai's head coaches at Brooklyn MMA & Fitness that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Rajantaka wants to clinch.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Rajantaka lands with a short punch from the clinch.

Mataitai manages to break the clinch.
Rajantaka doesn't manage to clinch there - Mataitai circles away.

Rajantaka drives through and clinches with Mataitai against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mataitai is trying to push Rajantaka away but Rajantaka has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Rajantaka keeps control of Mataitai as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Rajantaka misses with a short punch on the inside.
Rajantaka using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Mataitai has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Rajantaka misses with a knee strike.
Mataitai blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Mataitai blocks an elbow strike from Rajantaka.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rajantaka prevents Mataitai from breaking the clinch.
Mataitai can't break the clinch.
Rajantaka with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.

It looks like Willy Mataitai has been cut.
Mataitai tries to break free but Rajantaka pushes him back against the cage.
Rajantaka just leaning against Mataitai, taking a breather.
Mataitai misses with some punches.
Rajantaka misses with an elbow over the top.
Mataitai is trying to break the clinch but Rajantaka has him pressed against the cage.

Mataitai's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
The fight stays on the outside here - Rajantaka looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Mataitai was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Rajantaka tries to clinch but Mataitai moves out of range.
Rajantaka tries to clinch up but Mataitai circles away and keeps his distance.
Mataitai looks to score with a jab to the body but Rajantaka is just out of range.
Mataitai throws an ugly left hook that misses

and Rajantaka counters by moving into the clinch.
Rajantaka with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Rajantaka tries to land a knee to the head but Mataitai blocks with his arms.

Mataitai's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
A telegraphed right hand from Mataitai misses the target.
Rajantaka tries to clinch but Mataitai is having none of it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rajantaka is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Rajantaka slips a jab from Mataitai.
Mataitai swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Mataitai sets himself, and Rajantaka steps forward looking for the clinch! Mataitai avoids it this time.
Mataitai misses with a hook to the body

and Rajantaka holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Mataitai dodges an elbow strike from Rajantaka.
Mataitai is trying to push Rajantaka away but Rajantaka has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Rajantaka throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Mataitai tries to circle away but Rajantaka has him pinned against the cage.
Rajantaka creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Mataitai's defenses.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Mataitai breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Rajantaka keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Rajantaka scores with a jab to the jaw.
A big right from Mataitai misses.
Mataitai on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Rajantaka is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Rajantaka takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rajantaka defending well as Mataitai loads up on a big left hand.
Mataitai avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
It looked like Mataitai wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Rajantaka tries to clinch there but Mataitai circles away.
Rajantaka takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Mataitai's corner calls for a 1-2. Mataitai obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.

Rajantaka is rocked!
Rajantaka moves out of range as Mataitai strikes.
Rajantaka tries to clinch up but Mataitai circles away and keeps his distance.
Mataitai scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Rajantaka doesn't seem bothered though.
Rajantaka steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Mataitai.
Mataitai jabs Rajantaka to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Willy Mataitai seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Mataitai takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
Rajantaka fails with an attempt to clinch.
Rajantaka just misses with a punch to the body.
Rajantaka throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Rajantaka doesn't manage to clinch there - Mataitai circles away.
Rajantaka is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rajantaka pulls out of a head kick attempt.
A little feinted left hand from Mataitai on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Mataitai throws out a loose jab but Rajantaka uses good head movement to avoid it.
Rajantaka is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
Mataitai keeps the fight on the outside.
Mataitai throws an overhand right that lands on Rajantaka's shoulder, as Rajantaka tries to avoid the shot.
Rajantaka is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
A looping hook to the body misses from Rajantaka. Mataitai does a little dance to reset his feet.
Mataitai throws a body shot but no joy.
Rajantaka is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
Mataitai waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Rajantaka.
Rajantaka is looking to clinch but Mataitai is avoiding it.
Rajantaka blocks a jab.
Rajantaka throws a front kick that sends Mataitai stumbling back into the cage.

Rajantaka rushes Mataitai and presses him up against the cage.

Mataitai escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Rajantaka wants to clinch.
Rajantaka tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Mataitai paws at him with a jab and circles away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Willy Mataitai will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Willy Mataitai's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Rajantaka doesn't manage to clinch there - Mataitai circles away.
Rajantaka tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Mataitai throwing a counter right hand but Rajantaka manages to avoid it.
Rajantaka wants to clinch.
Rajantaka misses with a wild body shot.
Mataitai misses with a straight right.
Rajantaka slips under a jab from Mataitai.
Rajantaka keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Mataitai throws a jab but it's blocked by Rajantaka.
Mataitai scores with a shot to the body.
Rajantaka throws a head kick that half lands.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rajantaka tries to clinch but Mataitai is having none of it.
Mataitai was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.

Rajantaka drives through and clinches with Mataitai against the cage.
Mataitai tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.

Mataitai breaks from the clinch.
Rajantaka tries to clinch but Mataitai moves out of range.
Mataitai lands a slapping body shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mataitai throws a jab when Rajantaka was well out of range.
Rajantaka wants to clinch but Mataitai slips to the side
and Mataitai counters with a nice body shot.
Mataitai throws a jab but it's blocked by Rajantaka.
Mataitai scores with a jab to the jaw.
Rajantaka throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
A jab from Mataitai misses.
Mataitai cracks Rajantaka with a right hand to the side of the head.
Mataitai avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Mataitai thows a left - swing and a miss!
Mataitai keeps the fight on the outside.
Rajantaka fails in his attempt to clinch.
Rajantaka takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Mataitai misses with a hook.
Mataitai loads up on a big right hand but Rajantaka slips the punch.
Mataitai missing with a left hand there. Rajantaka was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Mataitai circles away from the clinch attempt.
Rajantaka slips a jab from Mataitai.
Rajantaka tries to counter by closing the distance.
Rajantaka is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Mataitai rather than just go for the knockout.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mataitai connects with a body shot that sends Rajantaka's belly button to the back.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Rajantaka moves in looking to clinch but Mataitai pushes him off.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Rajantaka tries to clinch up but Mataitai circles away and keeps his distance.
Rajantaka looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Mataitai circles away from the clinch attempt.
Mataitai scores with a sloppy right hand. Rajantaka should have avoided that one.
A swing and a miss from Mataitai.
Mataitai waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Rajantaka.
Mataitai is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Rajantaka can do to turn this around?
Rajantaka ducks under a wild hook from Mataitai.

Rajantaka closes the distance and pushes Mataitai back into the cage.
Rajantaka using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Mataitai has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Mataitai is trying to push Rajantaka away but Rajantaka has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.

Mataitai breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Mataitai avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Rajantaka takes a jab right on the kisser.
Rajantaka is still on wobbly legs! Can Mataitai finish him?
Rajantaka slips under a jab.
Rajantaka seems to have recovered his senses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mataitai misses with a body shot.
Mataitai's corner calls for a 1-2. Mataitai obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Rajantaka tries to clinch but Mataitai is having none of it.
Mataitai jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Rajantaka lands with a kick to the temple. Mataitai shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Rajantaka is looking to clinch but Mataitai is avoiding it.
Willy Mataitai is winning the standup battle so far.
Mataitai swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Mataitai thows a left - swing and a miss!
Mataitai throws an ugly left hook that misses

and Rajantaka counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Rajantaka keeps control of Mataitai as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.

Mataitai breaks the clinch.
Rajantaka fails in his attempt to clinch.
Rajantaka bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Rajantaka attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
A big right from Mataitai misses.
Rajantaka walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Rajantaka fails in his attempt to clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mataitai circles away from the clinch attempt.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Rajantaka has managed to clinch.
Mataitai blocks an uppercut.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Rajantaka.
Rajantaka throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Mataitai blocks it with crossed arms.
Rajantaka with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Rajantaka throws an elbow but it's blocked.

Mataitai breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Rajantaka moves out of range of the strikes.
Nice defenses there by Rajantaka.
Mataitai circles away from the clinch attempt.
Mataitai looks to land a left hand but Rajantaka moved out of range nicely.
Mataitai looks to land a left hand but Rajantaka moved out of range nicely.
Rajantaka keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Rajantaka tries to close the distance and clinch but Mataitai swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Mataitai swats away the attempt to clinch by Rajantaka.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Willy Mataitai dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Willy Mataitai's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Mataitai throws a looping overhand right but Rajantaka ducks down to avoid it.
Rajantaka doesn't manage to clinch there - Mataitai circles away.

Mataitai sends Rajantaka crashing to the mat with a devastating uppercut! Mataitai is motioning to the referee to let Rajantaka up. He wants to try and finish this one on the feet!
Mataitai avoids the clinch attempt nicely.

Oh, that's a big right hand from Mataitai and Rajantaka goes tumbling to the canvas! Mataitai follows him to the ground and looks to finish from half guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Mataitai stands up out of the half guard.
Mataitai throws a hook but Rajantaka avoids it easily.
Rajantaka tries a head kick but it misses.
Mataitai is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Mataitai pounces like a tiger and cracks Rajantaka with a vicious hook! Rajantaka is down but not out! Mataitai follows up with more strikes forcing the ref to jump in and stop it!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:36 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Punches). Willy Mataitai!
Willy Mataitai really struggled to get his t-shirt on before his hand was raised. Making sure that Brooklyn Apothecary logo gets some air time is pretty tricky when you're all sweaty.