PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Akara Kongsangchai (ranked 2122 p4p, 6346 weight class) and Michael Aalto (ranked 237 p4p, 495 weight class). Michael Aalto told me before the fight that he's been watching a lot of DVDs so let's see if that helps him in this one! I can't wait to find out!

Kongsangchai
vs
Aalto

169 cm
20
144
1 - 0 - 0

177 cm
20
149
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Cuts easily

BJJ Brown Belt
Good low kicks
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Akara Kongsangchai!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Michael Aalto!
The judges for this bout are Summer Carpenter, Darius Henderson and John Mangel.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
No joy there for Kongsangchai, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
We've been told by Kongsangchai's head coaches at Iron Wolf Private Gym that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Kongsangchai throws a head kick that half lands.
Kongsangchai slips a jab from Aalto.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Aalto has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.
Aalto throws a nice inside leg kick.
Aalto lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Aalto throws a head kick that misses.
Kongsangchai throws a series of punches but Aalto moves out of range.
Kongsangchai tries a head kick but it misses.

Aalto closes the distance and clinches.
Kongsangchai lands a shoulder strike.
Aalto stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Aalto misses with a punch on the inside.
Kongsangchai is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A short uppercut from Aalto.
Aalto throws a punch but it's blocked by Kongsangchai.

Aalto gets a trip takedown into half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Aalto stops Kongsangchai from getting back to his feet.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Aalto is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Kongsangchai is trying to stand back up but Aalto is controlling him

Aalto is working for a kimura but Kongsangchai is defending it quite comfortably.
Kongsangchai looks like he's trying to stand up.
Aalto is pressing down on Kongsangchai's thigh, looking to free his foot. Kongsangchai is holding on for now.

Aalto maintaining the dominant position here and is working for a kimura. He's locked it up! Kongsangchai could be in real trouble here! He's trying to wriggle out but Aalto has cracked it and Kongsangchai is screaming in pain - he's tapped out! Great finish by Aalto!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Michael Aalto!
A very excited looking Michael Aalto made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.