PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Jie Liu (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Esko Takanen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Liu comes to the cage accompanied by The Cinematic Orchestra ft. Roots Manuva - All Things To All Men. Takanen has chosen Krayzie Bone - Murda Mo as his entrance music. Both fighter's entrance songs getting the crowd jumping here.

Liu
vs
Takanen

173 cm
33
162 lbs
30 - 13 - 1

175 cm
41
153 lbs
48 - 25 - 2

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
World class MT
Good gas tank

KAISER

Valhalla Fight Wear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 30 - 13 - 1, fighting out of New York, Jie Liu!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 48 - 25 - 2, fighting out of Las Vegas, Esko Takanen!
The judges for this bout are Timothy Bukovac, Frank Antenori and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Liu walks forward, straight into a front kick from Takanen.
Takanen rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Liu moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Liu throws a head kick but Takanen moves out of range.
Liu throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Liu looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Liu shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Liu connects with a jab.
Liu avoids a kick to the body.
Takanen takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Good exchange - Takanen coming out on top.
Good standup being displayed there by Takanen as he connects with a hook.
Takanen throws a shot to the body.
Takanen fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Liu manages to avoid it.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Takanen throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Liu sees it coming and avoids it easily.
A jab from Takanen misses.
Takanen misses with a hook. Liu ducked under it nicely.
Takanen misses with a few strikes there.
Liu chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Takanen can pounce on him.
Liu throws a nice outside leg kick.
Liu cracks Takanen with a good jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Takanen staying out of range there.
Liu misses with a looping right.
Takanen lands with a kick to the ribs.
The fighters circling - Liu throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Esko Takanen seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Liu defending well as Takanen loads up on a big left hand.
Liu ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Takanen moves away.
Liu lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Liu lands with a kick to the ribs.
Liu throws out a leg kick but Takanen moves out of range and Liu only half commits.
Liu swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Liu ducks under a wild hook from Takanen.
Liu takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
Takanen has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.
Takanen just misses with a punch to the body.
No joy there for Liu, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Takanen throws a leg kick but Liu sees it coming and moves out of range.
Takanen throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Liu blocks a leg kick.
Liu throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Takanen looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Liu closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Liu tries to move into range but Takanen moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Takanen moves out of range of the strikes.
Liu misses with a low kick.
Takanen scores with a nice right hand.
Liu moves out of range of the leg kick from Takanen.
Esko Takanen is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Liu bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Takanen misses with a low kick.
Takanen misses the shot to the body.
Takanen throws a half hearted mid kick.
Liu misses with an attempted mid kick.
Liu uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Takanen.
Takanen throws a leg kick but Liu sees it coming and moves out of range.
Takanen tries to land a front kick but Liu steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Liu moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Takanen misses with a straight right.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Takanen blocks a jab.
Takanen swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Liu throws a sloppy head kick and Takanen moves out of range easily.
Liu pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Liu tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Liu is looking to chop away at Takanen's legs.
Takanen throws a head kick that looked like it stung.

Takanen gets caught flat footed, as Liu shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Liu is fighting to break Takanen's control of his arms but Takanen is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Liu throwing strikes but missing.
Liu trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Takanen is on top in guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Takanen wants to pass the guard but Liu is keeping the position.
Liu keeping moving, preventing Takanen from controlling successfully.

Liu has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Takanen can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Liu is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Liu looking for a guillotine here but Takanen defends easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Esko Takanen will probably get the nod.
That's time! Liu's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Takanen lands a nice shot to the body.
Takanen looks to land a body kick but Liu moved away.
Liu throws the kick towards the body but Takanen avoids it.
A telegraphed right hand from Takanen misses the target.
Takanen connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Takanen smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Takanen ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Liu moves away.
Liu thumps Takanen with a low kick.
Liu has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Takanen finds it's way round the side to connect with Liu's head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Takanen moves out of range of the body kick.
Liu takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Liu ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Liu cracks Takanen with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Takanen throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Takanen connects with a leg kick. Liu looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Liu throws a leg kick that misses.
Liu takes a swing at Takanen's ribcage but misses.
Liu on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Liu misses with an uppercut
and Takanen counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Liu throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Liu avoids the body shot from Takanen.
Takanen ducks under a wild hook from Liu.
Both fighters circling a little - Takanen finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Takanen throws a body shot but no joy.
Liu moves out of range of the leg kick from Takanen.
Liu throws a looping overhand right but Takanen ducks down to avoid it.
A looping hook to the body misses from Liu. Takanen does a little dance to reset his feet.
Takanen staying out of range there.
Takanen dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Takanen cracks a nice hook into Liu's ribs.
A punch combination from Liu misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Takanen slips under a jab.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Takanen wants to clinch up but Liu keeps it at a distance.
Liu has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Takanen.
Takanen uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Liu connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Takanen throws a front kick aimed at Liu's knee but Liu avoids it well.
Liu throws a hook to the side of Takanen's head but Takanen sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Takanen throws a good cross that connects.
Liu lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Liu misses with a kick to the body.
Takanen scores with the left hand. Liu knows he should have avoided that one.
Liu scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Liu tries to score a power double leg takedown but Takanen sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Liu somewhat.

Takanen instigates a clinch.
Liu swings wildly with an uppercut but Takanen uses good head movement to avoid it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Liu makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Liu scores with a shoulder strike.
Takanen throws a head punch that misses.
A shot in the inside from Takanen.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Takanen.

Liu has hold of one of Takanen's legs. Takanen is fighting the takedown attempt but Liu gets the trip and lands the takedown into guard.
Takanen wants to get back to his feet but Liu is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Liu tries to free his leg and advance position but Takanen is retaining full guard.
Takanen is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Takanen prevents Liu from improving his position.
Liu is working hard here to advance position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Takanen slows the pace down in half guard.
Liu tries to get to full guard but Takanen has control of the leg.
Takanen stalling.
Liu wants to get back to full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Esko Takanen showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Takanen takes a swing at Liu's ribcage but misses.
Takanen is looking to land body kicks.
A low kick from Liu is predictable there
enabling Takanen to counter with a crisp jab.
Takanen chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Liu slips a jab and a cross from Takanen.
Liu ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Takanen moves away.
Liu tried to score with a low kick but Takanen checks it.
Liu avoids the body shot from Takanen.
A big right from Takanen misses.
Liu throws a push kick but Takanen slaps the foot to one side.
Liu throws out a loose jab but Takanen uses good head movement to avoid it.
Liu smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A solid body kick from Liu.
Takanen takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Esko Takanen seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Liu takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Some bone on bone action there as Liu checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Liu tries to land a leg kick but Takanen saw it coming and moves away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Liu scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Takanen doesn't seem bothered though.
Takanen wants to clinch up but Liu keeps it at a distance.
Takanen with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Liu avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
A leg kick checked by Takanen.
Liu fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Takanen manages to avoid it.
A jab lands there for Takanen.
The fighters circling - Takanen throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Takanen lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Liu circles away quickly and effectively.
Liu buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Takanen dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Takanen tried to score with a low kick but Liu checks it.
Takanen throws an off balance right hand

and Liu counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Liu is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Takanen doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Liu.
Liu wants to pass the guard but Takanen is defending well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jie Liu has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Liu thows a huge punch but Takanen dodges it nicely.
Takanen is looking to control Liu's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Takanen avoid being mounted?

Liu wants to work for an arm triangle but Takanen is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are battling for position here. Takanen manages to regain full guard. Nice work.

Takanen uses the cage to get back to his feet.
Takanen ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Liu moves away.
Liu throws out a loose jab but Takanen uses good head movement to avoid it.
Liu throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Takanen blocks a head kick by Liu.
Liu misses with an attempted mid kick.
Takanen lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Takanen thows a body kick. Liu tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Takanen connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Liu staying out of range there.
Liu walks into a left hand.
Takanen tests Liu's chin there with a solid looking shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Takanen lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
An inside leg kick lands from Takanen.
Liu takes one to the side of the head.
Takanen slips under a jab from Liu.
Liu keeps the fight on the outside.
Takanen fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Liu.
Esko Takanen is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Takanen darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Liu attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Decent striking displayed by Liu there.
Takanen connects with a body shot.
Liu takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Decent striking displayed by Takanen there.
Takanen stalks Liu and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Liu's face. Liu staggers backwards, shaken.
Liu is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Takanen tests Liu's chin there with a solid looking shot.

And that's the end of the fight!
Esko Takanen comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Takanen 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 Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 27:30
Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight 27:30
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Esko Takanen!
Esko Takanen thanked the fans post fight for their support.