PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Arttu Mahtisaari (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Seyran Zeynalabdinov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Zeynalabdinov has chosen Saku as his entrance music. Both fighters will be looking to make this an exciting fight for the fans, I'm sure!

Mahtisaari
vs
Zeynalabdinov

178 cm
28
195 lbs
15 - 8 - 1

180 cm
35
204 lbs
28 - 20 - 1

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
Lethal high kicks
Good gas tank

SP Ultimate Nutrition

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 15 - 8 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Arttu Mahtisaari!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 28 - 20 - 1, fighting out of New York, Seyran Zeynalabdinov!
The judges for this bout are Bruno Lombardi, David Schapiro and Alyssa Summers.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Mahtisaari lands a slapping body shot.
Zeynalabdinov swinging wildly here.
Zeynalabdinov slips a straight right by Mahtisaari.
Some wild striking there from Zeynalabdinov.
Zeynalabdinov throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Mahtisaari's waist but Mahtisaari gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Zeynalabdinov off to one side.
Mahtisaari seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.
Mahtisaari cracks Zeynalabdinov with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Mahtisaari lands a nice shot to the body.
Mahtisaari throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Zeynalabdinov feints the counter takedown.
Zeynalabdinov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Mahtisaari.
Mahtisaari throws out a loose jab but Zeynalabdinov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Zeynalabdinov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Mahtisaari.
Zeynalabdinov moves out of range as Mahtisaari strikes.
Mahtisaari fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Mahtisaari is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Zeynalabdinov.
Zeynalabdinov changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Mahtisaari throws a hook but Zeynalabdinov avoids it easily.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Mahtisaari paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Zeynalabdinov looks to land a combination but Mahtisaari avoids it well.
Mahtisaari misses with a body shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zeynalabdinov takes one to the side of the head.
Mahtisaari fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Zeynalabdinov manages to avoid it.
Zeynalabdinov throws a shot to the body.
A lazy left from Zeynalabdinov finds it's target.

Zeynalabdinov closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Mahtisaari quickly recovers to half guard.
Mahtisaari is staying active underneath Zeynalabdinov, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Zeynalabdinov wants to pass to mount but Mahtisaari is defending the position.
Zeynalabdinov is still trying to improve position.
Zeynalabdinov wants to control but Mahtisaari is keeping him busy.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Zeynalabdinov is looking to advance position but Mahtisaari won't allow it.

Zeynalabdinov is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Mahtisaari sees it coming and defends easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mahtisaari is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Mahtisaari trying to control here.
Zeynalabdinov wants to control but Mahtisaari is keeping him busy.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Mahtisaari scores with a decent looking hook.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Zeynalabdinov blocks a jab.
Zeynalabdinov moves away from the strike by Mahtisaari.
A telegraphed right hand from Mahtisaari misses the target.
A bone on bone clash there as Mahtisaari blocks the leg kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mahtisaari throws an overhand right that lands on Zeynalabdinov's shoulder, as Zeynalabdinov tries to avoid the shot.
Zeynalabdinov shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Mahtisaari as he jumps to the side.
Zeynalabdinov tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Zeynalabdinov has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.
Zeynalabdinov throws an overhand right that lands on Mahtisaari's shoulder, as Mahtisaari tries to avoid the shot.
Zeynalabdinov fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Mahtisaari swings away with a body shot that misses

and Zeynalabdinov counters with a nice double leg into side control. Mahtisaari won't be happy with that.
Mahtisaari is trying to control Zeynalabdinov's posture but Zeynalabdinov avoids it.
Zeynalabdinov working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.
Mahtisaari manages to work his way to half guard, despite Zeynalabdinov's best efforts.
Mahtisaari trying to hold on to Zeynalabdinov's head to control him but Zeynalabdinov postures up.
Mahtisaari tries to get to full guard but Zeynalabdinov has control of the leg.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zeynalabdinov trying to pass the guard but Mahtisaari defending well.
Mahtisaari is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Zeynalabdinov's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Zeynalabdinov's back!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Mahtisaari looking to break Zeynalabdinov's wrist control so he can sink in the choke. Zeynalabdinov remaining controlled and patient though - he really has to keep calm otherwise Mahtisaari will wrap this one up with the rear naked choke!
Mahtisaari keeps control of the position as Zeynalabdinov tries to break free.
Zeynalabdinov is trying to remain composed but Mahtisaari is hammering down strikes to the side of his head.
Mahtisaari lands strikes to the head.
Mahtisaari lands a shot to the head.
Zeynalabdinov rolls, trying to escape but Mahtisaari keeps control of the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Arttu Mahtisaari will probably get the nod.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Mahtisaari misses with a wild body shot.
A big right from Zeynalabdinov misses.
Nice defenses there by Mahtisaari.
Mahtisaari is looking to counter punch.
Mahtisaari scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Mahtisaari throws a lazy right hand but Zeynalabdinov sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Zeynalabdinov clobbers Mahtisaari with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Mahtisaari cracks Zeynalabdinov with an open hand slap.

Zeynalabdinov closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Zeynalabdinov is trying to control. Mahtisaari wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Zeynalabdinov wants to pass the guard but Mahtisaari is defending well.
Zeynalabdinov throws a strike but Mahtisaari avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Zeynalabdinov being controlled here momentarily.
Zeynalabdinov wants to control from the top but Mahtisaari keeps moving.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zeynalabdinov tries to free his leg and advance position but Mahtisaari is retaining full guard.
Mahtisaari looking to hit a scissor sweep but Zeynalabdinov is one step ahead there.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Zeynalabdinov misses with a low kick.
Mahtisaari scores with a jab to the jaw.
Zeynalabdinov's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Mahtisaari connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Zeynalabdinov scrambles back to his feet.
Arttu Mahtisaari is winning the standup battle so far.
Nice defenses there by Mahtisaari.
A slapping leg kick lands for Zeynalabdinov.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zeynalabdinov tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Mahtisaari is able to avoid easily.
Zeynalabdinov lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
A combination from Mahtisaari does no damage.
Mahtisaari throws a body punch but Zeynalabdinov moves out of range.
Mahtisaari connects with a body shot.
Zeynalabdinov will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Mahtisaari looks to land a left hand but Zeynalabdinov moved out of range nicely.
Arttu Mahtisaari is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Zeynalabdinov gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Mahtisaari.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Zeynalabdinov misses with a series of wild punches.
Zeynalabdinov defending well as Mahtisaari loads up on a big left hand.
Mahtisaari scores with a decent looking hook.
Zeynalabdinov dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Zeynalabdinov - that will leave a mark!
Zeynalabdinov lunges at Mahtisaari with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Mahtisaari's hand.
Mahtisaari lands a really nice looking cross but Zeynalabdinov seems unphased.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mahtisaari moves out of range of the leg kick from Zeynalabdinov.
Zeynalabdinov connects with an inside leg kick.
Zeynalabdinov throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Zeynalabdinov throws out a powerful jab.
Zeynalabdinov loads up on a big right hand but Mahtisaari slips the punch.
A jab from Zeynalabdinov misses.
Mahtisaari is looking to clinch.
Mahtisaari works Zeynalabdinov's body with a nice hook.
Mahtisaari swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Zeynalabdinov misses with a low kick.
No luck for Mahtisaari with that takedown attempt.
Zeynalabdinov raises up his leg as if looking to counter with a high kick.
Mahtisaari misses with an uppercut.
Mahtisaari pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Mahtisaari chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Zeynalabdinov can pounce on him.
Mahtisaari lands with a good body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mahtisaari darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Zeynalabdinov moves forwards but Mahtisaari connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Mahtisaari just misses with a punch to the body.
Zeynalabdinov swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Mahtisaari gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Zeynalabdinov.
Mahtisaari misses the shot to the body.
Mahtisaari ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Zeynalabdinov misses with a right hand

and Mahtisaari counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Mahtisaari.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Zeynalabdinov struggles to land a body shot inside as Mahtisaari controls his hands.
A short right from Mahtisaari.
Zeynalabdinov blocks a body shot from Mahtisaari.
Mahtisaari misses with a body punch.

Zeynalabdinov has picked Mahtisaari up - he's going for a ride! Zeynalabdinov dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.
Zeynalabdinov thows a huge punch but Mahtisaari dodges it nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Seyran Zeynalabdinov will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's time! Back to the action! And we move into the final round!

The fighters circling - Mahtisaari throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Jab by Mahtisaari.
Mahtisaari moves out of range of the body kick.
Mahtisaari scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Zeynalabdinov.
Zeynalabdinov walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Zeynalabdinov drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Mahtisaari misses with a wild combination.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mahtisaari looks to land a right hand but Zeynalabdinov moved out of range.
Mahtisaari stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Mahtisaari wants it to stay on the feet.
Zeynalabdinov on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.

Zeynalabdinov is rocked!
Mahtisaari looks to score with a jab to the body but Zeynalabdinov is just out of range.
Zeynalabdinov walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Mahtisaari checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Mahtisaari throws the left hand but Zeynalabdinov avoids the punch easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Zeynalabdinov lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Mahtisaari has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Mahtisaari and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Zeynalabdinov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Mahtisaari moves away.
Zeynalabdinov displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Mahtisaari throws out the jab.
Zeynalabdinov scores with a jab. Mahtisaari acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Zeynalabdinov lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Mahtisaari stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Mahtisaari tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Zeynalabdinov was well out of range. Poor timing from Mahtisaari.
Zeynalabdinov feints the counter takedown.
Mahtisaari misses the shot to the body.
Mahtisaari slips under a jab from Zeynalabdinov.
Mahtisaari throws a lazy uppercut

and Zeynalabdinov counters with a nice double leg into side control. Mahtisaari won't be happy with that.
Mahtisaari defending against the ground and pound.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Mahtisaari is looking for a sweep.

Zeynalabdinov looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Zeynalabdinov throwing strikes but Mahtisaari manages to buck up and roll into a nice reversal - now he's on top in side control!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zeynalabdinov manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Zeynalabdinov tries to get to full guard but Mahtisaari has control of the leg.
Mahtisaari scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Zeynalabdinov moves into full guard.
Mahtisaari wants to control from the top but Zeynalabdinov keeps moving.
Zeynalabdinov looking for a sweep. Not yet Zeynalabdinov, not yet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mahtisaari passes into half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Zeynalabdinov trying to get back to full guard but Mahtisaari takes advantage of the position and moves to full mount!
Mahtisaari has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Zeynalabdinov's face.
Zeynalabdinov tries to reverse the position but Mahtisaari maintains control.
Mahtisaari lands a big elbow.
Mahtisaari with the ground and pound from mount.
Mahtisaari controlling from mount.
Zeynalabdinov is squirming around, avoiding Mahtisaari's attempts to control the action.
Zeynalabdinov is desperately trying to improve his position but Mahtisaari has a good base and remains in mount.
Mahtisaari content just to control the position here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zeynalabdinov manages to regain half guard. Good work.
Zeynalabdinov on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Mahtisaari is trying to control. Zeynalabdinov wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Mahtisaari scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Mahtisaari sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Zeynalabdinov defending well though.
Mahtisaari thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Zeynalabdinov tries to roll over but Mahtisaari keeps him under control.
Mahtisaari is trying to control. Zeynalabdinov wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Zeynalabdinov moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Mahtisaari wants to control from the top but Zeynalabdinov keeps moving.

And that's the end of the fight!
Arttu Mahtisaari showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Mahtisaari has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Bruno Lombardi scores the fight 29:28
Judge David Schapiro scores the fight 29:28
Judge Alyssa Summers scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Arttu Mahtisaari!
A very excited looking Arttu Mahtisaari made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.