PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Seppo Saurio (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Matthew Kurose (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Saurio kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Mä tuun kellottaa sua. I'm sure you'll be fascinated to know that I was talking to some pointless Z list celebrity before the fight and he thought that Matthew Kurose was going to win. Let's see if he was right.

Saurio
vs
Kurose

170 cm
26
132 lbs
8 - 5 - 0

176 cm
23
143 lbs
8 - 8 - 1

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent MT
Very strong

BJJ Purple Belt
Decent boxing
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Seppo Saurio!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 8 - 1, fighting out of Tokyo, Matthew Kurose!
The judges for this bout are Sosuke Kotani, Yuuki Gou and Shigeki Fujiwara.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Saurio lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Kurose throws a series of punches but Saurio avoids them all with ease.
Kurose closes the distance and clinches up with Saurio, looking for a takedown. Kurose pushes Saurio against the cage but Saurio circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Saurio throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Some wild striking there from Kurose.
Kurose shoots in for a takedown but Saurio shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.

Saurio clinches.
Kurose has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Saurio avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Seppo Saurio has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Matthew Kurose.
Kurose takes an elbow to the temple.
Kurose drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Saurio gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Kurose is working for takedown but Saurio is calmly controlling the position for now.
Kurose can't get the takedown.
Saurio gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Saurio controlling the action here for a moment.

Saurio's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Saurio lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Saurio goes for a high kick. It partially lands.

Kurose is rocked!

Kurose tries to keep at a distance but Saurio has taken the fight into the clinch.
Saurio tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Saurio lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Saurio landing knees to the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Saurio takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.

Saurio breaks the clinch.
Kurose misses with a double jab.
Saurio scores with a head kick.
Saurio throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

Saurio closes the distance and clinches.
Kurose changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Saurio fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Saurio goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Kurose looks to land a combination but Saurio avoids it well.
Saurio throws a head kick that half lands.
Kurose is still on wobbly legs! Can Saurio finish him?
Saurio slips a jab and a cross from Kurose.
Kurose seems to have recovered his senses.
Kurose looks gassed!
Saurio tries to clinch but Kurose is having none of it.
Saurio defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Kurose.
Saurio tries to clinch there but Kurose circles away.
Saurio tries to clinch up.
Kurose loads up on a big right hand but Saurio slips the punch.

Saurio has Kurose up against the cage in a clinch.
Saurio lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Saurio lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Kurose backwards.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Saurio is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Saurio throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Kurose blocks it with crossed arms.
Saurio lands a good knee to the midsection. Kurose won't want to take too many of those.
Saurio comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Kurose wants to break the clinch but can't.
Saurio scores a nice knee to the body.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Saurio landing knees to the head.
Saurio throws a knee to the head but misses.
Saurio tries to land a knee to the head but Kurose blocks with his arms.
Saurio with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Saurio lands a damaging elbow.
Saurio connects with a nasty looking knee right to Kurose's face.
Kurose tries to score a body lock takedown but Saurio shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Saurio lands a body punch.
Saurio tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
A knee to the head by Saurio.
Saurio slowing the pace effectively.
Saurio throws a knee to the head but misses.
Saurio wants a takedown.
Saurio throws an elbow that misses.
Saurio connects with a nasty looking knee right to Kurose's face.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kurose drops down looking for an ankle pick but Saurio pulls his leg out and moves away.
Saurio fails with an attempt to clinch.
Kurose misses with an uppercut. Saurio saw that one coming.
Saurio goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Saurio lands with a kick to the temple. Kurose shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Kurose fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Saurio avoids it really well and circles away.

Saurio has closed the distance and engaged Kurose in a clinch.
Saurio misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Kurose.
Saurio tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Saurio connects with a knee to the head.
Kurose blocks the elbow strike.
Saurio misses with a knee to the head.
Kurose is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Kurose has had enough of the clinch but Saurio keeps him there for the moment.
Saurio tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Saurio lands a knee to the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Saurio tries a knee to the head but Kurose blocks it.
Saurio is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Kurose is defending well for now.
Kurose wants to get back to striking at distance but Saurio won't allow it.
Saurio with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.

Kurose breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Kurose tries to score a power double leg takedown but Saurio sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Kurose somewhat.
Kurose dives in and grabs Saurio's left leg, looking for a takedown. Saurio pushes down on Kurose's head and hops out.
Saurio lands a head kick!
Saurio leaves Kurose with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.

Saurio forces Kurose back against the cage and clinches.
Saurio tries to land a knee to the head but Kurose blocks with his arms.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Saurio lands a knee to the body.
Saurio with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Saurio tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Saurio tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Kurose tries for a takedown but Saurio manages to get underhooks.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Seppo Saurio dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Saurio misses with a head kick.
Saurio throws a head kick but Kurose moves out of range.
Kurose chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Saurio can pounce on him.
Kurose misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Kurose lands an overhand right.
Seppo Saurio is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Kurose tries to keep at a distance but Saurio has taken the fight into the clinch.
Kurose on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Kurose is trying to drag Saurio to the mat but Saurio just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Saurio with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Saurio missing with knees to the body.
Kurose drops down looking for an ankle pick but Saurio pulls his leg out and moves away.
Seppo Saurio has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Matthew Kurose.
Kurose blocks a head kick by Saurio.

Saurio has closed the distance and engaged Kurose in a clinch.
Kurose avoiding damage as Saurio throws knees to the body.
Kurose is breathing heavily.
Saurio lands a knee to the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saurio connects with a nasty looking knee right to Kurose's face.
Saurio missing with knees to the body.
Saurio creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Kurose's defenses.
A hook to the body from Saurio.
Saurio connects with a knee to the head.

Kurose has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Saurio clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!
Saurio tries to roll but Kurose sticks to his back.

Saurio preventing the rear naked choke attempt from Kurose.
Saurio holding both Kurose 's hands and preventing any damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Saurio trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.

Saurio showing good submission defense here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saurio manages to reverse the position and now he's in Kurose's guard. Nice work there by Saurio.

Saurio stands and steps away. Kurose gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Kurose is trying hard to land a takedown here. Saurio sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Saurio goes for a high kick. It partially lands.

Saurio takes the fight into the clinch.
Saurio is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Saurio throws a knee to the head but misses.
Kurose is trying to drag Saurio to the mat but Saurio just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Kurose is pressed up against the cage. Saurio has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Kurose down to the mat. Kurose avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Saurio instigates a clinch.
Saurio tries a knee to the head but Kurose blocks it.

Saurio breaks from the clinch.

Saurio takes the fight into the clinch.
Saurio with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Saurio connects with a nasty looking knee right to Kurose's face.
Saurio lands a knee to the head.
Saurio lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Saurio throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Kurose blocks it with crossed arms.
Kurose dodges an elbow strike from Saurio.
Saurio is working for takedown but Kurose is calmly controlling the position for now.
Kurose fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Kurose avoids a wild elbow strike from Saurio.
Kurose has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Saurio avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Kurose tries to break free but Saurio pushes him back against the cage.
Saurio tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Kurose wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Saurio has him pressed against the cage.
Saurio looking to throw knees to the head but Kurose is blocking nicely.
Kurose is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Saurio gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Seppo Saurio dominated that second round.
That's time! Saurio's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Saurio plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Saurio tries to clinch there but Kurose circles away.
Kurose fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

Saurio gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Kurose to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Kurose throws a strike but Saurio rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Saurio won't allow Kurose to sweep him here.
Saurio trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

Kurose is looking for a triangle but Saurio pushes his legs off easily.
Kurose takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Saurio gets to his feet - Kurose follows without any prompting.

Saurio moves into the clinch successfully.
Saurio with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Kurose takes a knee to the side of the body.
Seppo Saurio has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Kurose takes an elbow to the forehead.
Saurio tries to land a knee to the head but Kurose blocks with his arms.
Saurio lands a good knee to the midsection. Kurose won't want to take too many of those.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Saurio takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Saurio tries to land knees in the clinch but Kurose avoids the damage to the body.

Saurio manages to break the clinch.
Saurio moves in looking to clinch but Kurose pushes him off.
Kurose tries for a takedown but Saurio sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Seppo Saurio is winning the standup battle so far.

Saurio moves into the clinch.
Saurio lands with a left to the head.
Kurose has Saurio pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Saurio manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Seppo Saurio has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Matthew Kurose.
Kurose tries to pull guard but Saurio won't allow it.
Saurio misses with a knee to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Saurio utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.

Saurio escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

Kurose drives through with a takedown into guard.
Kurose throws a strike but Saurio rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Saurio stands up from Kurose's guard - Saurio perhaps looking for a knockout.
Saurio lands a head kick. Kurose smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Saurio slips a jab and a cross from Kurose.
Kurose circles away from the clinch attempt.
Kurose shoots for a double leg takedown but Saurio sprawls well. He's pushed Kurose's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Saurio plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Saurio looks to land a combination. Kurose sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Saurio moves into the clinch.
Saurio scores a nice knee to the body.
Saurio lands a damaging elbow.
Kurose fails to pull guard.
Saurio using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Kurose has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Kurose goes for a takedown attempt but Saurio pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Saurio moves in looking to clinch but Kurose pushes him off.
Saurio tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Saurio wants to clinch up but Kurose keeps it at a distance.
Kurose cracks Saurio with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Kurose looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Saurio is fending him off so far but Kurose persists. Nope, Saurio circles away and we're back to standing.

Saurio gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Saurio tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Kurose wants a takedown.
Saurio lands a nice elbow.
Saurio landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Saurio with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Saurio with an attempt at a knee that misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kurose has Saurio pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Saurio manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Kurose is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.

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

Saurio moves into the clinch successfully.
Seppo Saurio is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Saurio misses with a knee strike.
Saurio is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Kurose is defending well for now.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Saurio just misses with a elbow thrown towards Kurose's brow.
Saurio with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Saurio gets underhooks to prevent Kurose's takedown attempt.
Saurio taking a break, stalling in the clinch.

Kurose decides to pull guard.
Matthew Kurose has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Kurose is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Saurio is aware though and is defending well.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kurose working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Saurio.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Saurio forces his way into half guard.

Saurio is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

And that's the end of the fight!
Seppo Saurio showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Saurio, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Sosuke Kotani scores the fight 30:26
Judge Yuuki Gou scores the fight 30:26
Judge Shigeki Fujiwara scores the fight 30:26

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Seppo Saurio!