PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Alexander Krystov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Seppo Taalasmaa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). This should be a great matchup!

Krystov
vs
Taalasmaa

179 cm
26
163 lbs
10 - 4 - 0

170 cm
22
160 lbs
13 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Very strong

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

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 10 - 4 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Alexander Krystov!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Seppo Taalasmaa!
The judges for this bout are Ivan Kurochkin, Aleksei Zolotukhin and Viktor Lagutenko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The fighters circling - Krystov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Taalasmaa misses with a body shot.
Taalasmaa lands a nice looking body shot.
Taalasmaa throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Taalasmaa lands a jab to the head.
Krystov just misses with a punch to the body.
Taalasmaa throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Krystov throws a jab but it's blocked by Taalasmaa.
Taalasmaa rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Krystov moves out of range and avoids them all easily.

Krystov feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Taalasmaa wants to improve his position but instead Krystov has moved into half guard.

Krystov seems to be looking for submissions.
Krystov trying to control the action but Taalasmaa is working from the bottom.
Taalasmaa gets full guard.
Krystov missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

Taalasmaa throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Krystov trying to control but Taalasmaa is working from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Taalasmaa throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Taalasmaa bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Krystov's guard.
Krystov keeping moving, preventing Taalasmaa from controlling successfully.

Krystov throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Taalasmaa postures up in Krystov's guard and throws a big left but Krystov blocks it.
Taalasmaa postures up.
Krystov wants to sweep here but Taalasmaa controlling him for the moment.

Krystov throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Taalasmaa is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Krystov has his foot on Taalasmaa's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Taalasmaa works his way back into a safe position though.
Krystov keeping moving, preventing Taalasmaa from controlling successfully.
Taalasmaa looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Krystov throwing strikes off his back to little effect.
Krystov bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Taalasmaa's guard.
Taalasmaa not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Taalasmaa looking to hit a scissor sweep but Krystov is one step ahead there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Taalasmaa had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Krystov defends it easily.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Krystov is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Taalasmaa keeping full guard, as Krystov tries to pass.
Krystov postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Taalasmaa is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Taalasmaa is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Krystov wants to control from the top but Taalasmaa keeps moving.
Taalasmaa has his hands on Krystov's head, controlling the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.

Taalasmaa working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Krystov doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Krystov manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Taalasmaa is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Krystov passes Taalasmaa's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Krystov tries to pass the half guard into mount. Taalasmaa knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Taalasmaa controlling the position for now.

Krystov is looking for a kimura but Taalasmaa is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Krystov to get the leverage.
Krystov missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Taalasmaa has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Krystov is working away from the top position though.
Taalasmaa moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.

Taalasmaa is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Seppo Taalasmaa will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Taalasmaa attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.

Krystov shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Taalasmaa's guard.
Taalasmaa tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Taalasmaa trying to control the position.
Krystov looking to pass the guard.
Krystov pushing down on Taalasmaa's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.

Krystov is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Taalasmaa is looking for a sweep. Krystov is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Taalasmaa flails away from the bottom but he's not doing any damage.
Krystov not doing much here.
Taalasmaa wants to get back to full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The fighters are battling for position here. Taalasmaa manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Krystov postures up.
Taalasmaa is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Krystov tries to roll over but Taalasmaa keeps him under control.
Krystov moves into full guard.
Taalasmaa connects with a couple of short punches.
Taalasmaa advances position into side control!
Taalasmaa landing strikes.
Krystov is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Taalasmaa drops an elbow to the side of Krystov's head.
Krystov trying to control from the bottom.
Taalasmaa landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Taalasmaa working Krystov over with strikes.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Taalasmaa prevents Krystov from improving his position.
Taalasmaa seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Taalasmaa prevents Krystov from improving his position.
Krystov avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Taalasmaa.
Taalasmaa is looking to take a break and control but Krystov is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Taalasmaa throws a looping overhand right but Krystov ducks down to avoid it.
Krystov will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Taalasmaa misses with a jab, cross combination.
Taalasmaa moves in looking to clinch but Krystov pushes him off.
Taalasmaa misses with a jab to the body
and Krystov counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
An inside leg kick lands from Taalasmaa.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Taalasmaa throws a leg kick but Krystov checks it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Krystov fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Krystov tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Taalasmaa swivels and escapes.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Alexander Krystov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Krystov fails with the takedown.
Taalasmaa throws a series of strikes that have Krystov backpedaling.
Taalasmaa punishes Krystov's body with a nice straight punch.
Krystov moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Taalasmaa connects with a jab.
Good leg kick by Taalasmaa there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Good standup being displayed there by Taalasmaa as he connects with a hook.
A punch combination from Krystov misses.
Taalasmaa connects with a crisp jab.
Taalasmaa tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Taalasmaa with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Taalasmaa misses the shot to the body.
An inside leg kick lands from Taalasmaa.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Taalasmaa scores with a jab.
Taalasmaa looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
The fight stays on the outside here - Taalasmaa looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Taalasmaa moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Taalasmaa scores with a jab. Krystov acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Taalasmaa connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Alexander Krystov is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Krystov takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Taalasmaa lands a jab.
A shot to de liver by Taalasmaa. Beautiful body shot.
A slow jab from Taalasmaa misses its intended target.
Taalasmaa wants to clinch.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
A swing and a miss from Taalasmaa.
Seppo Taalasmaa seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Taalasmaa misses with a double jab.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Seppo Taalasmaa showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Taalasmaa throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Krystov on the side of the head.
Taalasmaa throws a nice inside leg kick.
Taalasmaa takes a swing at Krystov's ribcage but misses.
Taalasmaa scores with a hook to the body. Krystov takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Taalasmaa fails with an attempt to clinch.
Taalasmaa lands a nice leg kick that just misses Krystov's sensitive parts.
Krystov dives in and grabs Taalasmaa's left leg, looking for a takedown. Taalasmaa pushes down on Krystov's head and hops out.

Taalasmaa shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Krystov's guard.
Seppo Taalasmaa has got the better of the ground game so far.
Krystov has momentary wrist control but Taalasmaa slips an elbow through the middle.
Taalasmaa seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Taalasmaa chips away with some ground and pound.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Taalasmaa landing some decent shots from guard.
Taalasmaa is in close to Krystov's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Taalasmaa trying to control the position from guard on top but Krystov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Krystov has his foot on Taalasmaa's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Taalasmaa works his way back into a safe position though.
Taalasmaa works over Krystov with some ground and pound from guard.
Taalasmaa cracks Krystov with a solid left hand.
Krystov looking to hit a scissor sweep but Taalasmaa is one step ahead there.
Taalasmaa lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Taalasmaa cracks Krystov with a solid left hand.
Taalasmaa with a nice head shot there.
Krystov preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

Krystov looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Taalasmaa lands a couple of digs.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Taalasmaa's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Taalasmaa is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Krystov is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Taalasmaa's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Krystov is trying to control the position but Taalasmaa postures up.
Krystov keeping full guard, as Taalasmaa tries to pass.
Taalasmaa has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Taalasmaa passes into half guard.
Taalasmaa scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Taalasmaa is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Taalasmaa working the head and body with strikes.
Taalasmaa is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Taalasmaa prevents Krystov from improving his position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Taalasmaa uses his free foot to push down on Krystov's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Krystov.
Taalasmaa working Krystov over with strikes here.
Taalasmaa lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Taalasmaa cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Taalasmaa lands a nice shot to the head.
Krystov can't escape the position.
Taalasmaa sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Taalasmaa is landing with some decent strikes but Krystov is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.
Krystov tries to hold on but Taalasmaa pushes him away.
Taalasmaa scores with a couple of good head shots there.
Krystov is trying desperately to improve position.
Krystov wants to control but Taalasmaa is having none of it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Taalasmaa landing strikes from the mount and Krystov is in trouble!
Taalasmaa lands a heavy elbow.
Taalasmaa landing shots from mount.
Taalasmaa putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!

Krystov is rocked!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Krystov in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Oh Krystov is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Krystov is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Krystov is trying desperately to improve position.
A nice elbow there by Taalasmaa.
Krystov is in a horrible position here. Taalasmaa smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Krystov is desperately trying to improve his position but Taalasmaa has a good base and remains in mount.
Taalasmaa is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Krystov can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
Taalasmaa loads up on a couple of big shots to the head that have Krystov scrambling to escape. He can't get free though and several more unanswered shots from Taalasmaa land to the head. The referee has no choice but to stop the fight. Taalasmaa stands and salutes the crowd.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:55 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Seppo Taalasmaa! Seppo Taalasmaa retains his lightweight title!