PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Niklas Backstrom (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Cesys Kazlauskas (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kazlauskas has a niggling injury. He would have liked to come in 100% fit but that's not always possible. Niklas Backstrom has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Backstrom
vs
Kazlauskas

183 cm
24
162 lbs
9 - 2 - 0

170 cm
24
163 lbs
3 - 4 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Experienced

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter fighter
Solid chin

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 9 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Niklas Backstrom!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Cesys Kazlauskas!
The judges for this bout are Marco Blurström, Anni Minnemäki and Roosa Järviläinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kazlauskas has his takedown stuffed

and Backstrom counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Backstrom is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Backstrom trying to control but Kazlauskas is working from the bottom.
Backstrom is really struggling to control Kazlauskas but he's trying to hold on to the position.
Backstrom wants to pass the guard but Kazlauskas is keeping the position.
Backstrom trying to control but Kazlauskas is working from the bottom.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.

Backstrom thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Kazlauskas keeping moving, preventing Backstrom from controlling successfully.
Backstrom postures up and lands a big shot to Kazlauskas's brow.
Backstrom passes Kazlauskas's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Backstrom wants to free his trapped foot but Kazlauskas is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Kazlauskas is trying to get back to full guard.
Backstrom has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.

Backstrom is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Backstrom wants to pass to mount but Kazlauskas is defending the position.
Kazlauskas is pressing down on Backstrom's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Backstrom wants to control from the top but Kazlauskas keeps moving.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Kazlauskas can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Backstrom controls the pace.
Backstrom trying to control but Kazlauskas is working from the bottom.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Niklas Backstrom has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Kazlauskas misses with an uppercut

and Backstrom counters with a shoot takedown. Kazlauskas fights it but they end up in guard.
Kazlauskas keeping moving, preventing Backstrom from controlling successfully.

Backstrom drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Kazlauskas dives on top into guard.

Backstrom working for a triangle but Kazlauskas defends it easily.
Kazlauskas throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

Backstrom looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Backstrom has his feet on Kazlauskas's thighs here. He's pushed Kazlauskas off and worked for a very quick armbar from the bottom! He's flipped onto his stomach and he's cranking hard on the arm! Kazlauskas screams in pain and taps out! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Niklas Backstrom!
Niklas Backstrom retains his lightweight title!