PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Bilal Semyonov (ranked 3599 p4p, 5494 weight class) and Suzuki Akira (ranked 225 p4p, 298 weight class). Bilal Semyonov could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Suzuki Akira's chin.

Semyonov
vs
Akira

180 cm
25
142
1 - 1 - 0

160 cm
18
135
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Tends to cut

Sakura Style

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 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Bilal Semyonov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Suzuki Akira!
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, Timothy Bukovac and Frank Antenori.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Semyonov closes this distance looking for a takedown but Akira circles away.
Akira shoots in for a takedown but Semyonov shows good takedown defense.
As Akira tries to get set, Semyonov tries to push him back and clinch up but Akira manages to avoid the attempt.
Semyonov moves out of range of the body kick from Akira.
Akira doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Semyonov counters with a left to the body.
Semyonov displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Akira.
Bilal Semyonov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Suzuki Akira.

Akira forces Semyonov back against the cage and clinches.
Akira is looking to take this one to the mat.
Akira tries to pull guard but Semyonov holds him up against the cage and eventually Akira drops back down to his feet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Akira fails to pull the fight into his guard.

Semyonov breaks from the clinch.
Akira is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
We've been hearing reports that Semyonov has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Semyonov blocks a head kick by Akira.
Semyonov tries to counter with a takedown but Akira is quick to defend against it.
Semyonov will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.

Akira gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Akira tries to break free but Semyonov pushes him back against the cage.
Come on Semyonov - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Semyonov can't get the takedown.

Semyonov works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard.

Akira escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Semyonov gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Akira keeping full guard, as Semyonov tries to pass.

Semyonov drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Akira manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Semyonov has Akira in his guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Akira trying to control the position from guard on top but Semyonov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

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

Semyonov working for submissions but it's allowed Akira to get to half guard.

Semyonov looking for submissions off his back.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Semyonov slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.

Semyonov had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Akira defends it easily.
Semyonov keeping moving, preventing Akira from controlling successfully.

Akira drops back looking for a submission - "I'm sorry sir, but I'm gunna break your leg" says Akira as he cranks on the unfortunate limb! Semyonov screams and taps out before any major damage is done! Don't mess with Akira! Nice submission victory there!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kneebar). Suzuki Akira!