PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Riku Reipas (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Winjkin William (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The fight MMA fans around the world have waited their entire lives for!

Reipas
vs
William

175 cm
28
148 lbs
15 - 8 - 0

150 cm
25
130 lbs
11 - 6 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Basic striking
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
Counter striker
Good gas tank

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 15 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Riku Reipas!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 11 - 6 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Winjkin William!
The judges for this bout are Johanna Lukiainen, Marco Blurström and Anni Minnemäki.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
William misses with a jab, cross combination.
Reipas misses with a takedown attempt
and William counters with a straight right hand.
Reipas with a lazy takedown attempt
and William counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Reipas tries for a takedown but William circles away easily

and William moves into the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Riku Reipas. That's going to take a lot out of him.
William tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
William is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
William tries a body shot but Reipas blocks it.
Reipas is trying to pull guard but William turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Reipas tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. William just stands there and leans against the cage.
Reipas fails to pull the fight into his guard.
William manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Reipas blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Reipas tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. William just stands there and leans against the cage.
William slows down the pace here.
William stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Reipas fails to pull guard.
William scores with a shot to the side of Reipas's head.
Reipas is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables William to keep the fight standing.
William lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Reipas backwards.
Reipas is trying to pull guard but William has him pressed against the cage.
William holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Reipas avoiding damage as William throws knees to the body.
William stalling in the clinch.
A short right from William on the inside.
William pushes off an throws an elbow but Reipas leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
William lands a left hand that snaps the head of Reipas backwards.
Reipas tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Reipas tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. William just stands there and leans against the cage.
A short uppercut from William.
William tries a knee to the head but Reipas blocks it.
William creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
A left hand lands to the body for William.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
William connects with a knee to the head.
Reipas tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. William just stands there and leans against the cage.
Reipas tries to pull guard but William forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
William lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Reipas or not.
Reipas is trying to pull guard but William has him pressed against the cage.
William trying to land knees to the body.
Reipas fails to pull guard.
Reipas is trying to pull guard but William turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Reipas fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Reipas jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as William walks away with a smile on his face. Reipas gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Reipas with a poor takedown
and William counters with an inside leg kick.
Reipas is breathing heavily.

Reipas closes the distance and pushes William back into the cage.
Reipas tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. William smiles and moves away.
Riku Reipas seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A slow jab from William misses its intended target.
Reipas misses with a body kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Reipas with a lazy takedown attempt
and William counters with a solid body kick.
Reipas gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and William counters with an outside leg kick.
William misses with a wild body shot.
William throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Reipas tries for a takedown but William circles away easily

and William moves into the clinch.
Reipas is trying to pull guard but William turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
William lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Reipas or not.
William landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Reipas fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Reipas is trying to pull guard but William has him pressed against the cage.
William avoiding damage.
Reipas is trying to pull guard but William turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
William misses with a knee to the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Reipas is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables William to keep the fight standing.
William misses with a knee strike.
Reipas is trying to pull guard but William turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Reipas fails to pull guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
William lands a body punch.
Reipas tries to pull guard but William won't allow it.
William makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
William works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
William leaning his opponent against the cage.
William using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Reipas tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. William just stands there and leans against the cage.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from William.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
William lands an uppercut.
Reipas fails to pull guard.
Reipas jumps guard but William turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Reipas jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as William walks away with a smile on his face. Reipas gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Winjkin William dominated 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.

William closes the distance and clinches.
Reipas managing to block the knees to the body from William.
William misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Reipas.
A right handed body shot lands from William.
Reipas tries to pull guard but William won't allow it.
Reipas is trying to pull guard but William turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Reipas tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. William just stands there and leans against the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Riku Reipas. That's going to take a lot out of him.
William taking a breather.
William landing knees to the body.
William effectively controlling the action here.

Reipas jumps into guard, dragging William to the mat.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.

Reipas is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. William is aware though and is defending well.
William trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
William is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Reipas looking to hit a scissor sweep but William is one step ahead there.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Reipas looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
William wants to pass the guard but Reipas is keeping the position.

Reipas has his foot on William's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. William works his way back into a safe position though.
Reipas keeping moving, preventing William from controlling successfully.
William must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
William lands a couple of elbows.

William avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
William postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

William avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
William is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
William tries to free his leg and advance position but Reipas is retaining full guard.
William postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
William lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Reipas working for a triangle but William defends it easily.

William decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Reipas, up you get!

Reipas has managed to clinch.
Reipas jumps guard but William turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
William misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Reipas.
Reipas tries to pull guard but William forces him back to his feet, against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
William tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Reipas jumps guard but William turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
William controlling the action here for a moment.
Reipas tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
William tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Reipas avoids it.
William pushes off an throws an elbow but Reipas leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
William lands an elbow just above Reipas 's eye.
A bit of stalling here from William.
Reipas tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
William is leaning against Reipas and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Reipas tries to pull guard but William won't allow it.
William effectively controlling the action here.
Reipas is trying to pull guard but William has him pressed against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Reipas jumps guard but William turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
William avoiding damage.
William pushes off an throws an elbow but Reipas leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Reipas avoiding damage as William throws knees to the body.
William landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Nice elbow from William.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
William dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Reipas tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Reipas jumps guard but William stands there with Reipas around his waist. Reipas gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
William will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Reipas up against the cage.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
William looking to throw knees to the head but Reipas is blocking nicely.
William softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Reipas tries to pull guard but William forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Winjkin William showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Reipas checks a leg kick nicely.
Reipas gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and William counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by William.
William working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Reipas fails to pull guard.
Reipas jumps guard but William stands there with Reipas around his waist. Reipas gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Riku Reipas. That's going to take a lot out of him.
William lands with a short shot to the head.
Reipas is trying to pull guard but William has him pressed against the cage.
William throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
A nice right hand lands inside from William.
Reipas managing to block the knees to the body from William.
William creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Winjkin William seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
William throws a knee to the head but misses.
William tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Reipas avoids it.
Reipas tries to pull guard but William forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
William misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Reipas.
Reipas fails to pull guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A right hand to the body from William.
William missing with knees to the body.
A bit of stalling here from William.
Reipas tries to pull guard but William forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
A short right from William on the inside.
William throws a knee to the head but misses.
William lands a hook that snaps the head of Reipas backwards.
Reipas tries to pull guard but William won't allow it.
William lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Reipas tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Reipas tries to pull guard but William won't allow it.
A quick uppercut on the inside from William.
The referee is keeping an eye on William - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
William presses Reipas against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
William throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
William works on Reipas's body with a couple of short punches.
A body shot lands from William.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Reipas blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
William with an attempt at a knee that misses.
A right handed body shot lands from William.
A short uppercut from William.
A nice left hand lands by William.
William tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
William lands with a light punch inside.
William throws a knee to the head but misses.
William works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
William throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Reipas tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Reipas tries to pull guard but William holds him up against the cage and eventually Reipas drops back down to his feet.
William is working Reipas over against the cage.
William stalling.
The crowd are getting on William's back here. They're not happy about his lack of aggression in the clinch.
William lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A right hand to the body from William.
William is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Reipas is defending well for now.
William is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Reipas tries to pull guard but William holds him up against the cage and eventually Reipas drops back down to his feet.
Reipas tries to pull guard but William holds him up against the cage and eventually Reipas drops back down to his feet.
William dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
William looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Reipas tries to pull guard but William forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Reipas fails to pull the fight into his guard.
William pushes off an throws an elbow but Reipas leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
William has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
William holding his opponent close, against the cage.
William lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
William will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Reipas up against the cage.
Riku Reipas has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Reipas fails to pull guard.
Reipas jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as William walks away with a smile on his face. Reipas gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Reipas tries for a takedown but William circles away easily

and William counters by moving into the clinch.
William stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A right hand to the body from William.
Reipas jumps guard but William turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
With the fighters up against the cage, William throws an elbow but misses.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
A quick uppercut on the inside from William.
William tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Reipas avoids it.
William is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Reipas is defending well for now.
Winjkin William is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Reipas jumps guard but William stands there with Reipas around his waist. Reipas gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.

And that's the end of the fight!
Winjkin William comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got William winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 27:30
Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight 27:30
Judge Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Winjkin William!
Our winner, Winjkin William, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.