PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Sami Salakka (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Tommi Neponen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). 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 Tommi Neponen was going to win. Let's see if he was right.

Salakka
vs
Neponen

183 cm
19
180 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

180 cm
22
177 lbs
3 - 5 - 0

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Cardio machine

BJJ Purple Belt
Good kicks
Knockout power

Fight Club Clothing Helsinki™

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 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Sami Salakka!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Tommi Neponen!
The judges for this bout are Arvi Lind, Roosa Järviläinen and Matti Vanhoillinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Neponen avoids a punch combination nicely.
Neponen throws the left hand but Salakka avoids the punch easily.
Salakka looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!

Salakka forces Neponen back against the cage and clinches.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Salakka.
Salakka lands with a short punch from the clinch.
A short right from Salakka.
Salakka is working Neponen over against the cage.
Salakka manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Salakka lands with a short shot to the head.
Salakka is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Neponen wants to break the clinch but can't.
Neponen looking for a takedown.
Neponen is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Salakka blocks a punch to the side of the head.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Salakka.
Salakka pressing his opponent against the cage.
Salakka lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Neponen wants to break the clinch but can't.
Neponen tries to break free but Salakka pushes him back against the cage.
Good body shot from Salakka.
Salakka lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Neponen changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Salakka fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Sami Salakka has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Tommi Neponen.
Neponen misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Salakka.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Salakka has Neponen up against the cage in a clinch.
Salakka digs a right hand into Neponen's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Neponen's gas tank.
Salakka softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
A short right from Salakka on the inside.
Salakka scores with a shoulder strike.
Salakka is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Neponen tries to pull guard but Salakka holds him up against the cage and eventually Neponen drops back down to his feet.
Neponen drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Salakka gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Neponen looks gassed!
Salakka slowing the pace effectively.
Salakka scores with a hook to the body.
Salakka throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Neponens head.
A nice right hand lands inside from Salakka.
A hook to the body from Salakka.
Salakka is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Salakka lands a body shot.
The referee calls for Salakka to work.
Salakka lands with a left to the head.
A nice right hand lands inside from Salakka.
Salakka lands a shot to the body.
Salakka lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Nice body punch from Salakka.
Salakka lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A shot in the inside from Salakka.
Salakka lands a body shot in the clinch.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Salakka throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Still in the clinch, Salakka scores with a nice short uppercut.
Salakka lands a shoulder strike.
Salakka lands with a light punch inside.
Salakka scores with an uppercut up the middle.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Salakka.
A short body shot lands from Salakka as the two fighters clinch.
Salakka lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Salakka scores with a shoulder strike.
Salakka scores with a shot to the side of Neponen's head.
Salakka lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Neponen backwards.
Salakka is leaning against Neponen and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
A right hook to the body lands for Salakka.
Salakka leaning against his opponent.
Salakka lands a body punch.
Salakka lands a hook that snaps the head of Neponen backwards.
Neponen tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Salakka effectively controlling the action here.
Neponen tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Salakka just stands there and leans against the cage.
A short right from Salakka on the inside.
Salakka lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Salakka keeps control of Neponen as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Salakka leaning his opponent against the cage.
Salakka lands a right hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Salakka working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
A short body shot lands from Salakka as the two fighters clinch.
Salakka lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Salakka stalling.
Salakka lands with a light punch inside.
Nice body punch from Salakka.
Salakka lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Nice body punch from Salakka - that landed with a thud.
Salakka gets through Neponen's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Salakka lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Neponen backwards.
Salakka lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Salakka lands with a light punch inside.
Salakka lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Salakka is pushing Neponen up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Salakka digs a right hand underneath Neponen's ribcage. Neponen let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Salakka lands a body punch.
Salakka has Neponen pushed against the cage.
With the fighters up against the cage, Neponen throws an elbow but misses.
Salakka lands a right hand that snaps the head of Neponen backwards.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Salakka.
Salakka lands a nice shot to the body.
Salakka lands a body punch.
Salakka lands a hook to the side of the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Salakka lands a body shot in the clinch.
Salakka lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Salakka leaning his opponent against the cage.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Neponen takes a shot to the head.
A short right from Salakka on the inside.
Salakka softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Neponen can't get the takedown.
Salakka stalling in the clinch.
Neponen takes a shot to the head.
Salakka lands with a short shot to the head.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Salakka.
Salakka lands an uppercut.
Salakka lands with a right to the head.
Salakka lands a body punch in the clinch.
Salakka works on Neponen's body with a couple of short punches.
Salakka scores with a shot to the side of Neponen's head.
Salakka lands a left hand that snaps the head of Neponen backwards.
Nice body punch from Salakka - that landed with a thud.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Salakka scores with a nice hook to the head.
Salakka lands with a left to the head.
Salakka throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Salakka scores with a hook to the body.
Salakka lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Salakka lands a right hand that snaps the head of Neponen backwards.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sami Salakka dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Salakka clinches.
Salakka lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Neponen backwards.
Salakka keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Neponen's efforts to push away.
Neponen lands an elbow inside that Salakka shrugs off.
A short body shot lands from Salakka as the two fighters clinch.
Neponen jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Salakka walks away with a smile on his face. Neponen gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Salakka throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Sami Salakka seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Salakka closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Neponen to the mat! Neponen manages to get full guard.
Salakka slips nicely into half guard.

Neponen actively working from the bottom here.
Salakka controlling the pace.
Salakka wants to pass the guard but Neponen is defending well.
Neponen is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Salakka in particular looking to stall.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.

Neponen looking for submissions off his back.

Neponen actively working from the bottom here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Salakka thows a huge punch but Neponen dodges it nicely.
Salakka is taking a breather. Neponen says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Salakka wants to pass the guard but Neponen is defending well.
Salakka is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Salakka is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Neponen can do to turn this around?

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Sami Salakka.
Neponen tries to move into range but Salakka moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Salakka lands with a shot to the body.
Salakka lands a nice hook to Neponen's body. Neponen takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Neponen takes a shot right to the bread basket.
The fighters circle momentarily. Salakka darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Salakka keeps the fight on the outside.
Neponen lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.

Salakka fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Neponen, pushing him back against the cage.
Salakka lands a shoulder strike.
Salakka gets through Neponen's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Salakka lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Neponen or not.
Neponen fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Still in the clinch, Salakka scores with a nice short uppercut.
Salakka just leaning against Neponen, taking a breather.
Salakka lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
A short body shot lands from Salakka as the two fighters clinch.
A right hand to the body from Salakka.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Salakka lands with a short shot to the head.
Salakka displaying some good clinch control by pressing Neponen up against the cage.
Salakka scores with a shot to the side of Neponen's head.
Salakka slowing the pace effectively.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Salakka creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Salakka throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Neponens head.
Neponen looking for a takedown.
Sami Salakka has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Tommi Neponen.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
A right handed body shot lands from Salakka.
Neponen tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Salakka smiles and moves away.

Salakka pushes Neponen up against the cage in a clinch.
Salakka working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Neponen has Salakka pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Salakka manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Salakka lands with a light punch inside.
Salakka lands with a short punch from the clinch.
A hook to the body from Salakka.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Salakka lands a hook to the side of the head.
Salakka lands a left hand.
Salakka pushes Neponen back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Salakka lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Salakka lands an uppercut.
Neponen's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sami Salakka dominated that second round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Salakka closes the distance and pushes Neponen back into the cage.
Neponen tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Neponen tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Salakka smiles and moves away.

Salakka has Neponen up against the cage in a clinch.
Neponen looking to stall.
Salakka lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Neponen fails to pull guard.
Salakka lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
A right hand to the body from Salakka.
Salakka scores with an uppercut up the middle.
A right hook to the body lands for Salakka.
Salakka is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Neponen tries to pull guard but Salakka holds him up against the cage and eventually Neponen drops back down to his feet.
Sami Salakka has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Tommi Neponen.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
A nice right hand lands inside from Salakka.
Sami Salakka has scored more points in the clinch so far.
A right handed body shot lands from Salakka.
Salakka lands a nice uppercut.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Salakka.
A shot in the inside from Salakka.
Salakka makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A shot in the inside from Salakka.
Neponen has had enough of the clinch but Salakka keeps him there for the moment.
Salakka is stalling here.
Salakka lands with a light punch inside.

Neponen is rocked!
Salakka just leaning against Neponen, taking a breather.
Salakka scores with a hook to the body.
Salakka lands a left hand that snaps the head of Neponen backwards.
The referee calls for Salakka to work.
Salakka makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Neponen working hard to break the clinch.
Salakka stalling the fight.
Salakka presses Neponen against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Salakka lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Salakka stalling.
Salakka lands a left hand.
Salakka lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Neponen.
Salakka gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Neponen.
Salakka lands a right hand.
Salakka lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Salakka has Neponen pushed against the cage.
Neponen's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A shot in the inside from Salakka.
Neponen jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Salakka walks away with a smile on his face. Neponen gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.

Salakka gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Neponen's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Salakka lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Neponen backwards.
Neponen creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Salakka blocks an uppercut.
Salakka lands a left hand.
A short uppercut from Salakka.
Neponen looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Salakka scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Neponen looking for a takedown.
Salakka lands a nice shot to the body.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Salakka creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Salakka lands a hook that snaps the head of Neponen backwards.
Salakka lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Salakka.
Neponen is still on wobbly legs! Can Salakka finish him?
Salakka is struggling to control the position.
Neponen seems to have recovered his senses.
A right hook to the body lands for Salakka.
Salakka lands a nice uppercut.
Stalling in the clinch from Salakka.
Salakka lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Neponen or not.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Salakka scores with an uppercut up the middle.
The referee is keeping an eye on Salakka - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Salakka lands a body shot in the clinch.
Salakka stalling in the clinch.
Salakka lands with a left to the head.
A nice right hand lands inside from Salakka.
Salakka gets through Neponen's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Salakka avoids a wild elbow strike from Neponen.
Salakka lands a shoulder strike.
Neponen's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Salakka softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Neponen jumps guard but Salakka stands there with Neponen around his waist. Neponen gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Salakka lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Neponen looking for a takedown.
Salakka working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Salakka lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Neponen.
Salakka gets through Neponen's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Neponen's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Sami Salakka is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
A short left from Salakka.
Salakka working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Salakka lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Neponen has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neponen takes a shot to the head.
Salakka lands a hook that snaps the head of Neponen backwards.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Salakka creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Neponen looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Neponen has had enough of the clinch but Salakka keeps him there for the moment.
Salakka manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Neponen tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Neponen tries for a takedown. No joy.
Salakka works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Salakka lands a left hand.
Salakka lands a left hand.
Salakka cracks Neponen with a nice body shot.
Salakka pushes Neponen back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Tommi Neponen has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Salakka lands with a short punch from the clinch.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Salakka lands a right hand that snaps the head of Neponen backwards.

And that's the end of the fight!
Sami Salakka showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Salakka 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Arvi Lind scores the fight 30:25
Judge Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight 30:25
Judge Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight 30:25

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Sami Salakka!