PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Erkki Elastinen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Anzhor Azhiev (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Elastinen comes to the cage accompanied by Cascada - Dangerous. I don't know about you partner, but I'm pumped for this one!

Elastinen
vs
Azhiev

160 cm
46
148 lbs
36 - 36 - 2

177 cm
37
144 lbs
19 - 66 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Very quick

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 36 - 36 - 2, fighting out of Helsinki, Erkki Elastinen!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 19 - 66 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Anzhor Azhiev!
The judges for this bout are Anni Minnemäki, Matti Vanhoillinen and Arvi Lind.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Azhiev tries for a takedown but Elastinen circles away easily
and Elastinen counters with a left to the body.

Elastinen drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.

Azhiev is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

Elastinen drops back looking for a leg! Azhiev is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Azhiev manages to kick Elastinen off! Elastinen jumps back into Azhiev's guard.

Azhiev is looking for a triangle but Elastinen pushes his legs off easily.
Azhiev can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Elastinen controls the pace.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Elastinen has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
Elastinen passes Azhiev's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Elastinen looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Elastinen is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Azhiev tries to roll over but Elastinen keeps him under control.

Elastinen is looking for a kimura here.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.

Azhiev looking to force a kimura from the bottom here. He's concentrating on that move too much though and Elastinen pushes past his half guard into mount!

Elastinen jumps to side control looking for an arm triangle but Azhiev manages to avoid the submission attempt.
Elastinen lands a decent elbow from side control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Azhiev is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Elastinen's leg. Oh but that's left an opportunity for Elastinen! He's got an arm triangle... it looks tight! He's rotating and Azhiev has tapped! This one is allllll over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Arm Triangle). Erkki Elastinen!
Our winner, Erkki Elastinen, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.
Anzhor Azhiev spoke after the fight, saying 'I still want that title shot. Im the most experienced fighter here and everyday wants to see me smash the champ so lets do it whenever he starts ducking me.'.