PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Ahti Kaleva (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Rigan Machado (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Kaleva
vs
Machado

180 cm
32
280 lbs
14 - 11 - 1

180 cm
29
250 lbs
10 - 7 - 0

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Very strong

Powerful takedowns
Basic striking
Granite chin

Bos Energy MMA159.4

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 14 - 11 - 1, fighting out of Los Angeles, Ahti Kaleva!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 7 - 0, fighting out of London, Rigan Machado!
The judges for this bout are Richard Clark, Paul Tew and Daniel Bishop.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

A momentary lapse in concentration from Kaleva enables Machado to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Kaleva manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kaleva lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Kaleva got a little sloppy there for a moment and Machado has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Kaleva has managed to get both his arms back between Machado's legs - danger averted.
Kaleva won't allow Machado to sweep him here.
Machado keeps trying to improve his position.
Machado is trying to keep Kaleva in close.
Kaleva connects with a couple of short punches.

Machado looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Machado looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Kaleva lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.

Machado is looking for a triangle but Kaleva pushes his legs off easily.
Kaleva postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

Machado is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kaleva lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Kaleva sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Kaleva postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Machado has momentary wrist control but Kaleva slips an elbow through the middle.

Machado looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Kaleva passes into side control.
Machado is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Kaleva off and has taken his back!
Kaleva trying to control the hands but Machado breaks the grip.
Kaleva is defending well here and trying to improve his position.

Kaleva fending off the submission attempt from Machado.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Machado tries to keep control of the position but Kaleva is staying busy.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kaleva tries to break free.

Machado has the rear naked choke here! This is very bad for Kaleva! Can he survive? No! He's out! Machado gets to his feet and celebrates with his cornermen. He looks absolutely delighted. In the post fight interviews he takes time to thank his parents and everyone who has believed in him from the start. How sweet.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:30 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Rigan Machado!
A victorious Rigan Machado thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.
In defeat, Ahti Kaleva stepped up to the mic, saying 'Well I'm gonna be fired by my manager for this Freeeeeeeeeeeeeakkkkk. Fraccccccckkkkkkkkk'.