PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Azad Naja (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Rob McKenzie (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). McKenzie is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by Flower Of Scotland. The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.

Naja
vs
McKenzie

185 cm
32
175 lbs
17 - 11 - 0

175 cm
20
182 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Counter striker
Cardio machine

Powerful takedowns
Basic striking
Powerful

Resistance

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 17 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Azad Naja!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Rob McKenzie!
The judges for this bout are Aafke Stam, Daniel Blasius and Paul Aken.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
McKenzie just misses with a punch to the body.
Naja swings for the body but McKenzie moves out of range.
McKenzie misses the shot to the body.
McKenzie misses with a straight right.

McKenzie feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Naja looking to hit a scissor sweep but McKenzie is one step ahead there.
McKenzie trying to control but Naja is working from the bottom.

Naja is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. McKenzie is aware though and is defending well.

Naja working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. McKenzie doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. McKenzie manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Naja keeping moving, preventing McKenzie from controlling successfully.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.

McKenzie got a little sloppy there for a moment and Naja has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, McKenzie has managed to get both his arms back between Naja's legs - danger averted.
Naja looking for a sweep. Not yet Naja, not yet.
McKenzie postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

Naja looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Naja tries to land a sweep but no joy.
McKenzie is working Naja over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Naja not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
McKenzie wants to control from the top but Naja keeps moving.

McKenzie got a little sloppy there for a moment and Naja has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, McKenzie has managed to get both his arms back between Naja's legs - danger averted.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
McKenzie trying to control but Naja is working from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Naja throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

Naja looking for subs off his back but McKenzie has passed one foot through into half guard.
Naja is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
McKenzie lands with a punch from half guard.
McKenzie wants to take a breather but Naja is having none of it.
Naja wants to improve his position but McKenzie is controlling well.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Naja is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but McKenzie pulls his head out easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Naja looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Naja tries to roll over but McKenzie keeps him under control.
Ground and pound from McKenzie.

Naja looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Well, if McKenzie 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.
Naja tries to get to full guard but McKenzie has control of the leg.
Nice strikes from McKenzie there.
McKenzie wants to free his trapped foot but Naja is holding on for dear life with his legs.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Naja works his way to full guard. Good work.

Naja is working for submissions here. He's thrown up his legs looking for a triangle but McKenzie frees his head nicely. Oh but Naja has switched to an armbar! McKenzie is tapping furiously! Lovely submission there!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:33 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle Armbar). Azad Naja!