PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Anton Ilmarinen (ranked 94 p4p, 481 weight class) and Olly Holy (ranked 12 p4p, 65 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Ilmarinen
vs
Holy

186 cm
31
198
15 - 3 - 0

175 cm
24
185
10 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
Decent boxing
Good gas tank

Bondi MMA 🏝️
Fantasy Threads

Gatoroids

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 15 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Anton Ilmarinen!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Olly Holy!
The judges for this bout are Elvis Blanc, Robert Douchet and Trevor Gratis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Holy wants to clinch.
Holy moves in looking to clinch but Ilmarinen pushes him off.
Holy darts in trying to clinch
and Ilmarinen cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Holy fails in his attempt to clinch.
It looked like Ilmarinen wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Holy fails with an attempt to clinch.
Holy tries to close the distance and clinch but Ilmarinen swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Ilmarinen looks to land a left hand but Holy moved out of range nicely.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Holy is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Holy wants to clinch.
Ilmarinen jabbing away but nothing is landing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ilmarinen misses with a straight right.
Olly Holy seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Holy has taken the fight to the clinch.
Holy jumps guard but Ilmarinen turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.

Ilmarinen works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard.
Our spies down at at BLK ELITE MASTERS inform us that Holy has really been working on his submissions in the buildup to this fight. Will it pay off?
Ilmarinen pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Holy is keeping the position for now.
Holy can't keep his opponent in guard - Ilmarinen advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Holy wants to improve his position but Ilmarinen is controlling well.
Nice strikes from Ilmarinen there.
Holy gets full guard.
Ilmarinen sitting in guard, not really doing much.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Holy is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Ilmarinen is aware though and is defending well.

Holy looking for subs off his back but Ilmarinen has passed one foot through into half guard.
Ilmarinen is thwarting Holy's attempts to control the position.

Holy looking for submissions off his back.
Ilmarinen keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Holy wants to improve his position but Ilmarinen is controlling well.
Holy is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.
Ilmarinen tries to pass to full mount but Holy defends it.
Holy tries to roll over but Ilmarinen keeps him under control.
Ilmarinen lands with a punch from half guard.
Ilmarinen will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Holy is trying to maintain the position but Ilmarinen is very close to passing his half guard.
Holy is staying active underneath Ilmarinen, who seems content to just control the action from this position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Holy is looking to control Ilmarinen's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Holy avoid being mounted?
Holy is looking for a sweep. Ilmarinen is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Ilmarinen landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Holy wants to improve his position but Ilmarinen is controlling well.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Holy wants to control but Ilmarinen is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Ilmarinen trying to control from half guard but Holy is working away.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Anton Ilmarinen dominated 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.

Ilmarinen swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Ilmarinen throws a hook but Holy blocks it.

Holy pushes Ilmarinen up against the cage in a clinch.
Holy prevents a body shot from Ilmarinen.
Ilmarinen doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Holy takes a shot to the head.
Holy fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Holy tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Ilmarinen misses with the head strike.
Ilmarinen tries to work over Holy's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Ilmarinen throws a head punch that misses.
Ilmarinen pushes Holy back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Ilmarinen.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Holy jumps guard but Ilmarinen turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Anton Ilmarinen has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Olly Holy.
Holy fails to pull guard.
A right handed body shot lands from Ilmarinen.
Holy takes a shot to the head.
Holy tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Ilmarinen just stands there and leans against the cage.
Holy tries to pull guard but Ilmarinen holds him up against the cage and eventually Holy drops back down to his feet.
Holy tries to pull guard but Ilmarinen won't allow it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Holy tries to pull guard but Ilmarinen won't allow it.
Ilmarinen presses Holy against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Ilmarinen makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Ilmarinen gets through Holy's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Ilmarinen misses with a short punch on the inside.
Ilmarinen tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.

Ilmarinen pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

Holy moves into range and clinches up with Ilmarinen.
Holy tries to pull guard but Ilmarinen forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Holy blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Ilmarinen lands a left hand that snaps the head of Holy backwards.
Ilmarinen misses with a hook from the clinch.
Ilmarinen lands a left hand that snaps the head of Holy backwards.
Holy is trying to pull guard but Ilmarinen has him pressed against the cage.
Holy jumps guard but Ilmarinen turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Holy fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Holy is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Ilmarinen to keep the fight standing.
Holy tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Ilmarinen smiles and moves away.
Ilmarinen jabs at Holy's body.
Ilmarinen is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Holy can do to turn this around?

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ilmarinen misses with a body shot.
Holy tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Ilmarinen manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Olly Holy is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Ilmarinen circles away from the clinch attempt.
Holy is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Ilmarinen looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
A nice combination there by Ilmarinen.
Ilmarinen with a jab.
Holy uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Ilmarinen.
Ilmarinen waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Holy.
Holy tries to clinch but fails miserably
letting Ilmarinen counter with a right hand.
Holy tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Ilmarinen changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.

Holy clinches up with Ilmarinen and pushes him back against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Holy is trying to pull guard but Ilmarinen has him pressed against the cage.
Holy jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Ilmarinen walks away with a smile on his face. Holy gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Holy tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Ilmarinen circles away from the clinch attempt.
Holy tries to clinch but Ilmarinen moves out of range.
Ilmarinen throws an overhand right that lands on Holy's shoulder, as Holy tries to avoid the shot.
Ilmarinen misses with a straight right.
Ilmarinen looks to land a right hand but Holy moved out of range.
Ilmarinen dips to his left and cracks Holy with an uppercut!
Holy wants to clinch up but Ilmarinen keeps it at a distance.
Holy ducks under a wild hook from Ilmarinen.
Ilmarinen is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Holy tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Holy tries to clinch there but Ilmarinen circles away.
Holy showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Ilmarinen.
Nice defenses there by Holy.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Holy closes the distance and clinches.
Holy tries to pull guard but Ilmarinen holds him up against the cage and eventually Holy drops back down to his feet.
Holy tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Ilmarinen just stands there and leans against the cage.
Anton Ilmarinen has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Ilmarinen lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Holy tries to pull guard but Ilmarinen forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Holy jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Ilmarinen walks away with a smile on his face. Holy gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Holy closes the distance but Ilmarinen moves to the side
and Holy takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Ilmarinen looks to land a left hand but Holy moved out of range nicely.
Holy moves forwards but Ilmarinen connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Holy tries to close the distance and clinch but Ilmarinen swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Ilmarinen fails to land with a series of punches.
Holy tries to clinch up but Ilmarinen circles away and keeps his distance.
Holy tries to close the distance and clinch up but Ilmarinen swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Ilmarinen appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.

Ilmarinen manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Holy on his heels. He'll look to pass Holy's guard now, I'm sure.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

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

Holy tries to clinch but Ilmarinen moves away
and Ilmarinen counters with a stiff right hand.
Holy is looking to clinch but Ilmarinen is avoiding it.
Holy is looking to clinch.
Holy ducks under a wild hook from Ilmarinen.
Holy steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from Ilmarinen.
Holy tries to clinch but Ilmarinen moves out of range.
Ilmarinen changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Holy closes the distance looking to clinch
and Ilmarinen counters with a left to the body.
Ilmarinen throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Holy tries to counter by closing the distance.
Ilmarinen is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Holy steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Ilmarinen.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A looping hook to the body misses from Ilmarinen. Holy does a little dance to reset his feet.
Holy wants to counter the offense by Ilmarinen and move into the clinch position.
Holy tries to clinch up.
It looked like Ilmarinen was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Holy.
Ilmarinen keeps the fight on the outside.
Anton Ilmarinen is winning the standup battle so far.
The fight stays on the outside here - Holy looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Holy tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Ilmarinen paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Holy tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Ilmarinen paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Holy fails with an attempt to clinch.
Ilmarinen circles away from the clinch attempt.
Holy is looking to clinch.
A little feinted left hand from Ilmarinen on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Holy is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Nice shot by Ilmarinen.
Holy tries to close the distance and clinch up but Ilmarinen swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Holy tries to clinch
and Ilmarinen counters with a left and a right that stings Holy.
Ilmarinen throws a nice looking combination but Holy bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Ilmarinen throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Holy is looking to clinch.
Nice jab there from Ilmarinen.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ilmarinen lands a nice shot to the body.
Holy tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Ilmarinen paws at him with a jab and circles away.

Holy pushes Ilmarinen up against the cage in a clinch.
Ilmarinen lands a shoulder strike.
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!
Holy fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Ilmarinen is trying to push Holy away but Holy has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Ilmarinen misses with a punch to the body.
Holy blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Holy is trying to pull guard but Ilmarinen turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Holy tries to pull guard but Ilmarinen won't allow it.
Anton Ilmarinen has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Olly Holy.
A short right from Ilmarinen on the inside.
A nice left hand lands by Ilmarinen.
Holy jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Ilmarinen walks away with a smile on his face. Holy gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Holy tries to clinch up.
Holy tries to clinch up.
Ilmarinen throws a hook but Holy blocks it.
Ilmarinen throws a shot from downtown. Holy moves away and avoids it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ilmarinen misses with a body shot.
The fight stays on the outside here - Holy looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
It looked like Ilmarinen wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Holy tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Holy tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Ilmarinen connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Holy tries to clinch
and Ilmarinen counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Ilmarinen circles away from the clinch attempt.
Holy takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Holy is looking to clinch but Ilmarinen is avoiding it.
Holy tries to close the distance and clinch but Ilmarinen swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Ilmarinen swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Holy.
Ilmarinen swats away the attempt to clinch by Holy.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Holy is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Ilmarinen was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Ilmarinen shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Holy defends it nicely.

Holy instigates a clinch.
Ilmarinen fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Ilmarinen misses with a short punch on the inside.

Holy pulls guard effortlessly.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Ilmarinen passes Holy's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Still in half guard, Ilmarinen seems content to control.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Anton Ilmarinen clearly takes that round.
That's time! Ilmarinen's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Holy wants to clinch.
Ilmarinen swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
The fight stays on the outside here - Holy looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Holy takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Ilmarinen feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Holys jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Ilmarinen misses with a looping right.
Holy tries to clinch up.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Holy tries to clinch up.
Nice uppercut there from Ilmarinen.
Holy fails in his attempt to clinch.
Ilmarinen swats away the attempt to clinch by Holy.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Holy tries to clinch
and Ilmarinen counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Holy avoids the body shot from Ilmarinen.
Holy tries to clinch but Ilmarinen moves out of range.
Holy moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Holy tries to clinch up but Ilmarinen circles away and keeps his distance.
Holy doesn't manage to clinch there - Ilmarinen circles away.
Holy's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Ilmarinen connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Holy scrambles back to his feet.
Holy doesn't manage to clinch there - Ilmarinen circles away.
Ilmarinen looks to land a left hand but Holy moved out of range nicely.
Holy tries to counter by closing the distance.
Holy tries to clinch
and Holy takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Holy takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Holy blocks a jab.

Holy closes the distance and clinches.
Holy tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Ilmarinen smiles and moves away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ilmarinen throws an overhand right that lands on Holy's shoulder, as Holy tries to avoid the shot.
Holy bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Holy is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
Holy wants to clinch up but Ilmarinen keeps it at a distance.
Holy tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Ilmarinen manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
A counter left hand to the body from Ilmarinen misses its target.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Holy wants to clinch up but Ilmarinen keeps it at a distance.
Holy tries to clinch but Ilmarinen is having none of it.
Holy darts in trying to clinch
and Ilmarinen counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Ilmarinen circles away from the clinch attempt
enabling Ilmarinen to counter with a crisp jab.
Ilmarinen looks to land a right hand but Holy moved out of range.
The fight stays on the outside here - Holy looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Olly Holy is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ilmarinen swats away the attempt to clinch by Holy.
Holy tries to clinch up.
The fight stays on the outside here - Holy looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Holy tries to clinch up.
Ilmarinen swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Ilmarinen circles away from the clinch attempt.
Ilmarinen appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Holy wants to clinch up but Ilmarinen keeps it at a distance.
Holy moves away from the strike by Ilmarinen.
Ilmarinen shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Holy as he avoids it easily.
Holy tries to clinch but fails miserably
enabling Ilmarinen to counter with a crisp jab.
Ilmarinen circles away from the clinch attempt
and Ilmarinen counters with a stiff right hand.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ilmarinen swats away the attempt to clinch by Holy.
Ilmarinen appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Holy tries to clinch up.
Ilmarinen swats away the attempt to clinch by Holy.
Holy keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Ilmarinen.
Ilmarinen avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Holy takes one to the chin there.
Holy is looking to clinch but Ilmarinen is avoiding it.
An attempted straight right counter from Ilmarinen misses the target.
Ilmarinen lands with a nice body punch.
Holy defending well as Ilmarinen loads up on a big left hand.
Holy wants to clinch up but Ilmarinen keeps it at a distance.
Ilmarinen appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Holy wants to clinch.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Anton Ilmarinen had his way with Olly Holy in that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!

Ilmarinen lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Holy darts in trying to clinch

and Ilmarinen counters with a shoot takedown. Holy fights it but they end up in guard.
Ilmarinen trying to control but Holy is working from the bottom.
Ilmarinen trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Ilmarinen looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ilmarinen missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ilmarinen trying to control the position from guard on top but Holy is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Holy looking to control.
Ilmarinen content to stall in guard here.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Holy has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
A big right from Ilmarinen misses.
Ilmarinen swings for the body but Holy moves out of range.
Ilmarinen keeps the fight on the outside.
Holy steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Ilmarinen.
Holy tries to counter with a clinch but Ilmarinen shakes him off and moves away.
Ilmarinen fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Holy tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Holy tries to clinch up.
Holy tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Ilmarinen counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Holy tries to clinch up but Ilmarinen circles away and keeps his distance.
Ilmarinen looks to land a left hand but Holy moved out of range nicely.
The fight stays on the outside here - Holy looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Ilmarinen works Holy's body with a nice hook.
Holy tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Ilmarinen paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Holy tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Ilmarinen throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Holy on the side of the head.
Holy darts in trying to clinch
and Ilmarinen counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Holy moves in looking to clinch but Ilmarinen pushes him off.
Holy uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Ilmarinen.
Holy tries to counter by closing the distance.

Ilmarinen shoots in and gets a takedown into Holy's guard.
Ilmarinen trying to control but Holy is working from the bottom.

Holy working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Ilmarinen doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Ilmarinen manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Ilmarinen trying to control but Holy is working from the bottom.
Holy is trying to control the position from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Holy looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Ilmarinen passes into half guard.
Holy wants to get back to full guard.
Holy is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Anton Ilmarinen is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Holy won't allow Ilmarinen to pass to mount.
Ilmarinen seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Ilmarinen is thwarting Holy's attempts to control the position.
Olly Holy has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Ilmarinen scores with a couple of good hammerfists.

And that's the end of the fight!
Anton Ilmarinen showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Ilmarinen has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Elvis Blanc scores the fight 50:43
Judge Robert Douchet scores the fight 50:42
Judge Trevor Gratis scores the fight 50:42

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