PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Dimitri Kasavanov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and BJ Penn (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Penn has chosen David Guetta - Titanium as his entrance music. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Kasavanov
vs
Penn

170 cm
26
168 lbs
5 - 1 - 0

170 cm
25
162 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter striker
Very quick

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Determined

Outkast Clothing Line

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Dimitri Kasavanov!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, BJ Penn!
The judges for this bout are Marco Blurström, Anni Minnemäki and Ben Zyskovitsi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kasavanov defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Penn.
Penn fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Kasavanov avoids it really well and circles away.

Kasavanov shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Penn napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Kasavanov controlling from side mount.
Penn tries to buck Kasavanov off but Kasavanov is having none of it.
Kasavanov moving around in side mount but really he's just happy to control for now.
Penn is trying to get back to half guard.
Penn sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Penn is looking for a sweep. Kasavanov is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

Penn looking for submissions off his back.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Penn looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Kasavanov controlling the action here.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kasavanov passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for Penn!
Kasavanov controlling from mount.
Kasavanov prevents Penn from getting the reversal.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kasavanov tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Penn can't escape the position.
Penn tries to hold on but Kasavanov postures up.
Penn flailing away with punches but nothing is landing.
Kasavanov avoids the attempt from Penn to control.
Kasavanov controlling his opponent.
Penn really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Kasavanov controlling from mount.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kasavanov avoids the attempt from Penn to control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kasavanov takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Penn tries to hold on but Kasavanov postures up.
Kasavanov controlling his opponent.
Penn keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Penn is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Penn is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Kasavanov controlling from the full mount.
Penn wants to hold on but Kasavanov pushes him away.
Penn keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Penn regains half guard.
Kasavanov moves into full mount! Penn won't be happy about that!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Kasavanov lands a really nice looking cross but Penn seems unphased.
Kasavanov slaps away a takedown attempt from Penn, before circling back to the center of the mat.

Kasavanov bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Kasavanov landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.
Kasavanov taking a breather here.
Penn is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Penn tries to roll over but Kasavanov keeps him under control.
Kasavanov controlling the pace.
Penn tries to get to full guard but Kasavanov has control of the leg.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Kasavanov lands a nice short elbow.

Penn looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Kasavanov controlling the pace.
Dimitri Kasavanov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Kasavanov's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
Penn tries to roll over but Kasavanov keeps him under control.
Kasavanov is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Penn trying to hold on to Kasavanov's head to control him but Kasavanov postures up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kasavanov tries to pass the half guard into mount. Penn knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Dimitri Kasavanov just wasn't active enough.
Penn fails with the takedown
and Kasavanov cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Penn finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Penn misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Dimitri Kasavanov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of BJ Penn.
Penn slips a jab from Kasavanov.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Penn is defended easily by Kasavanov.
Kasavanov uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Penn ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Kasavanov moves away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Penn misses with a takedown

and Kasavanov counters with a single leg into guard. Penn didn't expect that.
Penn is trying to keep Kasavanov in close.
Kasavanov engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.

Penn looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Kasavanov trying to control the position from guard on top but Penn is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Penn is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Penn controls Kasavanov momentarily but Kasavanov frees himself.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kasavanov won't allow Penn to get back to his feet.

Penn is looking for a triangle but Kasavanov pushes his legs off easily.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Penn looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Kasavanov has picked Penn up and slammed him! Penn can't keep hold of the triangle and Kasavanov manages to pass to side control!
Penn is breathing heavily.
Penn is letting Kasavanov control him for a moment.
Kasavanov advances to mount.
Penn is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Penn really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Penn sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.

Penn actively working from the bottom here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Dimitri Kasavanov dominated that second round.
That's time! Kasavanov's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Penn misses with a double jab
and Kasavanov connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Penn tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Kasavanov is able to avoid easily.
An inside leg kick from Penn misses.
Penn shoots and misses
and Kasavanov counters with a straight right hand.
Kasavanov is looking to clinch but Penn is avoiding it.
Penn gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Kasavanov.
Penn tries a low kick but Kasavanov avoids it.
Kasavanov's jab looks to have found its range, popping Penn under the eye.
Kasavanov blocks a head kick by Penn.
Kasavanov keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Penn.
Penn shoots and misses
and Kasavanov counters with a straight right hand.
Penn fails with the takedown
and Kasavanov cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Dimitri Kasavanov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of BJ Penn.
Penn takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Penn fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Kasavanov with a hook.
Kasavanov dodges the punch combination from Penn.
Penn gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Kasavanov counters with a straight right hand.
A bone on bone clash there as Kasavanov blocks the leg kick.
Kasavanov cracks Penn with a good jab.
Penn fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Kasavanov takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Penn misses the shot to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Penn pivots, looking for a leg kick but Kasavanov is out of range and Penn settles back down.
Kasavanov is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Penn shoots in but Kasavanov avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Penn misses with a takedown attempt
and Kasavanov cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Kasavanov connects with a jab.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Penn enables Kasavanov to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Penn manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Kasavanov scores with a decent looking elbow strike.

Penn is rocked!
Kasavanov content to stall in guard here.
Penn is still in real trouble! Can Kasavanov finish him?

Penn escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Kasavanov gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Penn seems to have recovered his senses.
Kasavanov slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kasavanov stands up over Penn, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Kasavanov postures up.
Kasavanov slips nicely into half guard.
Penn missing with punches from the bottom.
Penn trying to control from the bottom.
Kasavanov takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Kasavanov is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Penn!
Penn manages to regain half guard. Good work.

Penn looking for submissions off his back.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Penn is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Kasavanov pulls his head out easily.
Well, if Kasavanov is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
Kasavanov wants to free his trapped foot but Penn is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Kasavanov 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.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Penn looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Penn looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Well, if Kasavanov is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Kasavanov connects with a looping right hand.
Penn throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Penn attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Penn tries for a takedown but Kasavanov circles away easily
and Kasavanov counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Nice shot by Kasavanov.
Penn fails with the takedown.
BJ Penn seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Penn moves forwards but Kasavanov connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Penn throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Penn will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A shot to the body from Penn misses

and Kasavanov counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Kasavanov perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Dimitri Kasavanov just wasn't active enough.

Kasavanov looking for a takedown here - he's got it.

Penn throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Kasavanov has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Penn is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Penn is trying to control the position but Kasavanov postures up.

Kasavanov got a little sloppy there for a moment and Penn has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Kasavanov has managed to get both his arms back between Penn's legs - danger averted.

Penn is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Kasavanov defends well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kasavanov engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Dimitri Kasavanov.

Penn bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Penn is trying to get an arm triangle but Kasavanov is defending well.
Kasavanov tries to bench press Penn off him but Penn keeps the position.

Penn is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Kasavanov has escaped the position, nice work there.
Kasavanov tries to improve position but can't.
Penn throwing shots but missing, from side control.
Penn trying to control the position but Kasavanov is working away.

Penn wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Kasavanov, who protects the arm well.
Kasavanov can't do much from the bottom here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kasavanov is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Penn's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Kasavanov moves into full guard.
Kasavanov keeping moving, preventing Penn from controlling successfully.

Penn drops back, looking for a kneebar! Kasavanov looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Kasavanov looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Kasavanov!
Penn is trying to improve his position.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Penn is trying to escape the position but Kasavanov is controlling the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Dimitri Kasavanov had his way with BJ Penn in that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Kasavanov lands a nice shot that snaps Penn's head back.
Penn with a poor takedown
and Kasavanov counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Penn has his takedown stuffed
enabling Kasavanov to counter with a crisp jab.
Penn fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Dimitri Kasavanov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of BJ Penn.
Penn swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Penn wants to land a leg kick but Kasavanov is out of range.
Kasavanov with a jab.
Penn takes a swing at Kasavanov's ribcage but misses.
Kasavanov throws a good cross that connects.
Kasavanov slaps away a takedown attempt from Penn, before circling back to the center of the mat.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Penn tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Penn is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Penn changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Kasavanov tries to avoid it but Penn manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Kasavanov to the ground. Kasavanov escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Penn is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Penn is looking to chop away at Kasavanov's legs.
Penn drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Kasavanov connects with a single shot there.
Penn throws a sloppy head kick and Kasavanov moves out of range easily.
Penn misses with a takedown
and Kasavanov counters with a straight right hand.
Penn wants to land a leg kick but Kasavanov is out of range.
A head kick misses from Penn.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Penn doesn't succeed with the takedown

and Kasavanov counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Kasavanov takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Penn has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Kasavanov is working away from the top position though.

Kasavanov is working for an americana but Penn has been sneaky and has managed to get back to half guard, whilst Kasavanov was thinking about the submission.

Penn had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Kasavanov defends it easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kasavanov has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Kasavanov controlling his opponent.
Dimitri Kasavanov is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Penn gets back to half guard.

Penn looking for submissions off his back.
Kasavanov looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kasavanov seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Penn for as long as he can get away with.
Penn wants to get back to his feet.
Kasavanov controlling the action here.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Dimitri Kasavanov just wasn't active enough.
A slapping leg kick lands for Penn.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Penn shoots for a double leg takedown but Kasavanov sprawls well. He's pushed Penn's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.

And that's the end of the fight!
Dimitri Kasavanov showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Kasavanov 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 Marco Blurström scores the fight 50:45
Judge Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 50:45
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Dimitri Kasavanov!
Dimitri Kasavanov retains his lightweight title!
A loyal slave to those sponsorship dollars, Dimitri Kasavanov made sure he mentioned Outkast Clothing Line, along with how happy he was to win his fight.