PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Seppo Taalasmaa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Alexander Krystov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Taalasmaa
vs
Krystov

170 cm
21
160 lbs
11 - 3 - 0

179 cm
25
163 lbs
8 - 3 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

Good takedowns
Decent boxing
Determined

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 11 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Seppo Taalasmaa!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Alexander Krystov!
The judges for this bout are Viktor Lagutenko, Konstantin Menshow and Fedor Mirinova.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Krystov throws a shot from downtown. Taalasmaa moves away and avoids it.
Taalasmaa dips down and scores with a jab to the body.

Taalasmaa drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Krystov is looking to reverse the position.
Taalasmaa trying to control the action but Krystov is working from the bottom.
Krystov is looking to reverse the position.
Taalasmaa is working Krystov over with some ground and pound from side control.
Taalasmaa is working Krystov over with some ground and pound from side control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The strikes coming from Taalasmaa are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
Taalasmaa wants to control but Krystov is keeping him busy.
Taalasmaa controls the position.
Krystov is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Krystov is trying to control Taalasmaa's posture but Taalasmaa avoids it.
Taalasmaa lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Krystov down.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Taalasmaa landing strikes.
Taalasmaa gets to mount! Krystov was on the offensive and wasn't defending properly.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Taalasmaa cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Taalasmaa cracks Krystov with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
Taalasmaa landing shots from mount.
A nice elbow there by Taalasmaa.
Taalasmaa lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Krystov hang on?
Krystov bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Taalasmaa controls Krystov momentarily but Krystov frees himself.
Taalasmaa tries to land a sweep but no joy.

Taalasmaa looking for a guillotine here but Krystov defends easily.
Taalasmaa is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Taalasmaa is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Krystov is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Krystov trying to control but Taalasmaa is working from the bottom.
Taalasmaa tries to land a sweep but no joy.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Some bone on bone action there as Krystov checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Krystov shoots in but Taalasmaa avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Krystov misses with an uppercut. Taalasmaa saw that one coming.
A cross from Taalasmaa lands.
Taalasmaa misses with a hook. Krystov ducked under it nicely.
Krystov ducks under a wild hook from Taalasmaa.
Krystov takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Taalasmaa throws a big shot that misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Taalasmaa tries to land a leg kick but Krystov saw it coming and moves away.
Krystov blocks a jab.
Krystov doesn't succeed with the takedown

and Taalasmaa counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Taalasmaa.
Krystov looking for a sweep. Not yet Krystov, not yet.
Taalasmaa is working Krystov over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Taalasmaa trying to control but Krystov is working from the bottom.
Taalasmaa is in close to Krystov's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Krystov is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Taalasmaa trying to control the position from guard on top but Krystov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Krystov is trying to keep Taalasmaa in close.
Taalasmaa distracts Krystov with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Krystov looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Taalasmaa throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Krystov works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Taalasmaa lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Krystov looking for a sweep. Not yet Krystov, not yet.
Taalasmaa working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Krystov's head.
Taalasmaa lands a couple of elbows.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Taalasmaa working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Krystov can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Taalasmaa controls the pace.
Taalasmaa cracks Krystov with a solid left hand.
Krystov is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Taalasmaa pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Krystov is keeping the position for now.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Taalasmaa landing some decent shots from guard.
Taalasmaa won't allow Krystov to sweep him here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Krystov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Krystov gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Taalasmaa counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Taalasmaa steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Krystov.
Taalasmaa misses with a body punch

so Krystov counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Taalasmaa is trying to keep Krystov in close.
Taalasmaa manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Krystov manages to get himself to full guard.
Taalasmaa is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Taalasmaa lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Taalasmaa landing some decent shots from guard.
Taalasmaa landing with the ground and pound.
Taalasmaa trying to control but Krystov is working from the bottom.

Krystov had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Taalasmaa defends it easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Taalasmaa works over Krystov with some ground and pound from guard.
Taalasmaa works over Krystov with some ground and pound from guard.
Krystov is trying to control the position but Taalasmaa postures up.
Taalasmaa trying to control but Krystov is working from the bottom.
Taalasmaa landing some decent shots from guard.
Krystov looking to hit a scissor sweep but Taalasmaa is one step ahead there.
Krystov lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Taalasmaa!
Krystov looking to ground and pound but Taalasmaa is blocking nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Taalasmaa tries to hold on but Krystov postures up.
Taalasmaa tries to get back to half guard but can't.
A nice elbow there by Krystov.
Taalasmaa is trying to escape the mount.
Taalasmaa is working hard here to advance position.

Taalasmaa defends a decent attempt at a guillotine from Krystov.
Krystov looking to finish Taalasmaa with some ground and pound. This is bad for Taalasmaa!
Krystov lands a big shot there that rocks Taalasmaa but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Taalasmaa holding onto his opponent's waist for dear life, as Krystov tries to land some strikes to get him to release his grip.
Seppo Taalasmaa overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Krystov landing strikes from the mount and Taalasmaa is in trouble!
Taalasmaa can't escape the position.
Taalasmaa slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Taalasmaa is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Krystov trying to control the action but Taalasmaa is working from the bottom.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Krystov connects with a nice short shot to Taalasmaa's temple.
Krystov wants to take a breather but Taalasmaa is having none of it.
Taalasmaa wants to control but Krystov is keeping busy.
Krystov is just content to waste time from the top position. Taalasmaa takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.
Taalasmaa working a defensive guard here.
Taalasmaa lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Krystov!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Taalasmaa working Krystov over with strikes here.
Taalasmaa is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Krystov can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
Taalasmaa lands an elbow that was bordering on illegal but the referee lets it go with a warning.
Krystov is squirming around, avoiding Taalasmaa's attempts to control the action.
Krystov tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Taalasmaa with a couple of short strikes.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Taalasmaa cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Krystov is in all sorts of trouble here.
Krystov is breathing heavily.
A nice elbow there by Taalasmaa.
Taalasmaa trying to control but Krystov is having none of it.
Taalasmaa landing strikes, looking to finish!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Seppo Taalasmaa dominated that second 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.

Krystov keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Krystov tries to clinch but Taalasmaa moves out of range.
Krystov tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Taalasmaa swivels and escapes.
Taalasmaa looks to score with a jab to the body but Krystov is just out of range.
Krystov on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Taalasmaa. Taalasmaa obviously looking to wear him down.
Taalasmaa takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Taalasmaa slips under a jab.
Krystov misses with a two punch combination.
Krystov dives in and grabs Taalasmaa's left leg, looking for a takedown. Taalasmaa pushes down on Krystov's head and hops out.
Krystov avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Taalasmaa defending well as Krystov loads up on a big left hand.
Taalasmaa lands a slapping body shot.
Taalasmaa takes one to the side of the head.
Krystov avoids the body shot from Taalasmaa.
Krystov takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Taalasmaa, as that shot connected.
Krystov slips a jab from Taalasmaa.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Taalasmaa lands a jab to the nose.
Krystov slips a straight right by Taalasmaa.
Seppo Taalasmaa seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Taalasmaa connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Taalasmaa swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Taalasmaa lands a right hook to the body.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Taalasmaa.
Taalasmaa turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Taalasmaa throws a hook to the side of Krystov's head but Krystov sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Taalasmaa takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Krystov gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.

Krystov is rocked!
An inside leg kick from Taalasmaa misses.

Taalasmaa fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Krystov, pushing him back against the cage.
Taalasmaa is looking to control Krystov's arms but Krystov gets an underhook and turns him. Now Taalasmaa has his back to the cage.
A short uppercut from Taalasmaa.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Taalasmaa.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Krystov leaning his opponent against the cage.
Krystov wants a takedown.
Seppo Taalasmaa has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Alexander Krystov.
Krystov blocks an uppercut.
Taalasmaa lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Krystov backwards.
Krystov blocks a body shot from Taalasmaa.
Taalasmaa prevents Krystov from breaking the clinch.
Taalasmaa misses with a knee strike.
Taalasmaa throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Stalling in the clinch from Taalasmaa.
Taalasmaa tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Taalasmaa is stalling here.
Taalasmaa lands an uppercut.
Taalasmaa is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Krystov is keeping busy.
Krystov wants to break free but Taalasmaa has control.
Taalasmaa tries to throw a body punch but Krystov avoids it by throwing Taalasmaa back against the cage.
Krystov wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice body punch from Krystov - that landed with a thud.
Taalasmaa doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
A right hand to the body from Krystov.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Taalasmaa.
Krystov fails to pull guard.
Krystov blocks a body shot from Taalasmaa.
Taalasmaa misses with a punch to the body.
Taalasmaa goes for a takedown attempt but Krystov pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Taalasmaa pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Krystov shoots and misses
and Taalasmaa makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Taalasmaa clinches but Krystov breaks the clinch

and Krystov counters with a single leg into guard. Taalasmaa didn't expect that.
Taalasmaa looking to control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Krystov avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

Taalasmaa looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Taalasmaa looking for a sweep. Not yet Taalasmaa, not yet.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Krystov accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

Krystov thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

Taalasmaa is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Krystov controls from within his opponent's guard.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Taalasmaa pulls Krystov in close to his closed guard and prevents Krystov from doing any damage or advancing position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Seppo Taalasmaa clearly takes that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Krystov avoids the body shot from Taalasmaa.
Taalasmaa just misses with a punch to the body.
Taalasmaa takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Donk. Taalasmaa catches Krystov right on the button with a cross.
Taalasmaa lands with a right hand.
Good shot there by Taalasmaa.
Taalasmaa loads up on a big right hand but Krystov slips the punch.
Taalasmaa tries to move into range but Krystov moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Taalasmaa darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
A punch combination from Krystov misses.
Krystov shoots and misses

and Taalasmaa counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Taalasmaa won't allow Krystov to sweep him here.
Krystov is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Krystov is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Taalasmaa chips away with some ground and pound.
Taalasmaa trying to control but Krystov is working from the bottom.

Krystov is looking for a triangle but Taalasmaa pushes his legs off easily.
Taalasmaa with a nice head shot there.
Taalasmaa scoring with punches to the head and body.
Taalasmaa landing with the ground and pound.
Taalasmaa postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Taalasmaa stands up over Krystov, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Taalasmaa trying to control but Krystov is working from the bottom.
Taalasmaa stopping the sweep attempt from Krystov.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Taalasmaa wants to control from the top but Krystov keeps moving.
Taalasmaa lands a couple of elbows.
Taalasmaa is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Krystov can do to turn this around?
Krystov preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

Taalasmaa got a little sloppy there for a moment and Krystov has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Taalasmaa has managed to get both his arms back between Krystov's legs - danger averted.
Taalasmaa is stalling in the full guard.
Taalasmaa is working Krystov over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Taalasmaa sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Krystov's guard.

Taalasmaa is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Krystov sees it coming and defends easily.
Krystov slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Taalasmaa trying to control the position from guard on top but Krystov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Krystov working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Taalasmaa.

Krystov has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Taalasmaa is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Krystov.
Taalasmaa cracks Krystov with a big right hand but Krystov just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
Krystov is trying to improve his position.
Check out the look on Taalasmaa's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Taalasmaa is looking to take a break and control but Krystov is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Taalasmaa works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.
Taalasmaa working the ground and pound.
Taalasmaa working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.
Krystov tries to improve position but can't.
Taalasmaa landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.
Krystov takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
Taalasmaa cracks Krystov with an elbow. That is naaassty.
Krystov is still in real trouble! Can Taalasmaa finish him?
Taalasmaa landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.
Taalasmaa moves into full mount!
Taalasmaa dominating with strikes here.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Krystov tries to hold on but Taalasmaa pushes him away.
Krystov seems to have recovered his senses.
Taalasmaa is in the full mount, landing strikes.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Seppo Taalasmaa had his way with Alexander Krystov in that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Taalasmaa dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Krystov. That did some damage!
Krystov throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Krystov slips under a jab.
Krystov displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Taalasmaa throws out the jab.
Taalasmaa missing with a left hand there. Krystov was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Taalasmaa throws a jab when Krystov was well out of range.
Krystov tries for a takedown but Taalasmaa circles away easily

and Taalasmaa counters with a nice double leg into side control. Krystov won't be happy with that.
Taalasmaa working the head and body with strikes.

Taalasmaa in side control, working for a kimura. He's got hold of an arm and he's torquing it... Krystov is tapping! That's the end of the fight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:55 of round 5, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Seppo Taalasmaa!
Seppo Taalasmaa retains his lightweight title!