PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Alexander Spartan (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Arman Alizad (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying Alizad's choice of entrance music: Gortoz A Ran - J'attends. 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.

Spartan
vs
Alizad

172 cm
19
150 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

174 cm
18
150 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Big heart

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Powerful

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 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Alexander Spartan!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Arman Alizad!
The judges for this bout are Roosa Järviläinen, Tarja Halkonen and Johanna Lukiainen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Spartan rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Alizad moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Spartan fails to land the takedown.
Spartan lands with a right hand.
Alizad shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.

Alizad gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Alizad scores with a shoulder strike.
Spartan wants a takedown.
A short right from Alizad.
Spartan avoiding damage as Alizad throws knees to the body.
Alizad lands a hook to the side of the head.

Spartan is rocked!
A right handed body shot lands from Alizad.
Oh Spartan is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Knees in the clinch landing for Spartan.
Spartan seems to have got his legs back now.
Alizad slows down the pace here.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Knees in the clinch landing for Alizad.
Spartan is breathing heavily.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Alizad.

Alizad lands a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Alizad slips a nice elbow through Spartan's hands, connecting with Spartan's forehead.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Alizad wants to stand but Spartan has hold of a leg and an arm, so he's trapped for now.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Alizad trying to control from half guard but Spartan is working away.
Alizad content to control rather than advance.
Alizad trying to control from half guard but Spartan is working away.
Alizad slows the pace down in half guard.
Alizad trying to mount his opponent but Spartan defends it.
Alizad wants to control but Spartan is keeping him busy.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Spartan shoots in for a double leg but Alizad sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Alexander Spartan. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Alizad lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Horrible takedown by Spartan or perhaps it was just good defense by Alizad which made him look bad.

Alizad takes the fight into the clinch.
Spartan is trying to stall.
Spartan wants a takedown but no success here.
Spartan tries to pull guard but Alizad holds him up against the cage and eventually Spartan drops back down to his feet.

Spartan works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard.
Alizad working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Spartan.
Spartan throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Alizad works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Alizad looking for a sweep. Not yet Alizad, not yet.

Alizad working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Spartan doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Spartan manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Alizad 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.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Alizad is on top in guard.

Spartan has his foot on Alizad's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Alizad works his way back into a safe position though.
Alizad trying to control the position from guard on top but Spartan is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Alizad sitting in guard, not really doing much.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Alizad pushes down on Spartan's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Alizad works his foot free and advances to mount.

Alizad working to secure an arm triangle but it's not happening for him just yet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Alizad has control of Spartan's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Spartan regains control of the situation pretty easily.
Alizad prevents Spartan from getting the reversal.
Spartan takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.
Alizad working the ground and pound effectively.
Alizad trying to control but he's not successful this time.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Alizad lands a big shot there that rocks Spartan but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
Alizad punishing his opponent with strikes.
Alizad is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Spartan can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Arman Alizad dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Spartan shoots in but no luck this time.
Alizad lands a front kick.
Spartan takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Alizad lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Alizad.
Arman Alizad seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Alizad throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Alexander Spartan is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Spartan shoots in for a takedown but Alizad shows good takedown defense.
Spartan looks to clinch

and Alizad counters with a shoot takedown. Spartan fights it but they end up in guard.

Spartan scrambles and gets back to his feet.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Alizad.
Spartan shoots and misses

and Alizad counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Alexander Spartan. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Alizad seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Spartan does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Ground and pound from Alizad.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Spartan wants to control but Alizad is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Alizad drops an elbow to the side of Spartan's head.
Spartan is refusing to be controlled, as Alizad sits in half guard.
Spartan wants to control but Alizad is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Alizad has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Alizad working away from the top, dropping strikes.
Spartan can't escape the position.
Alizad working Spartan over with strikes here.
Alizad wants to control the pace but Spartan is squirming around nicely.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Alizad cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Arman Alizad has got the better of the ground game so far.
Spartan working to try and regain half guard.
Spartan is working hard here to advance position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Spartan is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Alizad tries to control but Spartan wriggling away.
A nice elbow there by Alizad.
Alizad in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Spartan regains half guard.
Alizad trying to control the action but Spartan is working from the bottom.
Spartan pushes Alizad off looking to stand but Alizad dives back in and keeps control.
Spartan is not content to let Alizad control the position.
Spartan makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Spartan.
Alizad stopping the sweep attempt from Spartan.
Alizad landing some decent shots from guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Alizad 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.

Alizad decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
Alizad lands a with a good body shot.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Alizad, right into the meat.
Alizad looking to land some kicks to the body here.

Alizad shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Alizad was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Alizad controlling from mount.
Alizad landing strikes from the mount and Spartan is in trouble!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Spartan is bucking up trying to escape but Alizad cracks him with another couple of good strikes.

Alizad has hold of Spartan's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and Spartan manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.
Alizad postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Spartan looks a forlorn figure.
Alizad unloading with bombs!
Alizad lands a nice shot to the head.
Alizad connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Alizad looking to finish Spartan with some ground and pound. This is bad for Spartan!
Alizad content just to control the position here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Alizad prevents Spartan from getting the reversal.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Arman Alizad showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Spartan wants to clinch up but Alizad keeps it at a distance.
Spartan avoids a punch combination nicely.
Spartan throws a nice looking combination but Alizad bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Alizad is looking to chop away at Spartan's legs.
Spartan misses with a takedown attempt
and Alizad counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Alizad throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
No joy there for Spartan, who threw a few shots but didn't land.

Alizad closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Nice body punch from Alizad.
Alizad lands with a short shot to the head.
Spartan drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Alizad gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Alizad pushes Spartan back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Spartan tries to pull guard but Alizad won't allow it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Alexander Spartan. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Spartan jumps guard but Alizad stands there with Spartan around his waist. Spartan gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Alizad stalling.
Spartan is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Alizad tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Spartan's elbow.
Spartan prevents a body shot from Alizad.
Nice body punch from Alizad.

Spartan is trying to trip Alizad. He has hold of a leg but Alizad is hopping around, keeping his balance for the moment. Spartan persists though and gets the takedown into guard.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Alizad looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Spartan stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Alizad swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Alizad trying to control the position.
Alizad wants to stand up but Spartan is controlling him.
Alizad tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Alizad throwing strikes off his back to little effect.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Spartan accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Alizad tries to land a sweep but no joy.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Spartan keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Alizad looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Alizad fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Spartan manages to avoid it.

Spartan gets in close and instigates a clinch.
A short body shot lands from Alizad as the two fighters clinch.
Alizad goes for a takedown attempt but Spartan pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Spartan shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Alizad as he jumps to the side.
Spartan sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Spartan doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Alizad counters with a one-two to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Spartan moves into the clinch successfully.
Spartan has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Alizad is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Nice body punch from Alizad - that landed with a thud.
Spartan goes for a takedown attempt but Alizad pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Alizad tries to land a front kick but Spartan steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Spartan tries to clinch but Alizad moves out of range.
Alizad has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Alizad throws a left and a right that both miss
and Spartan counters with a three punch combo that has Alizad backing up. Alizad nods at Spartan to acknowledge the strikes.
Alizad lands with a thumping leg kick.

Alizad has managed to clinch.
Spartan is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Alizad lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Spartan backwards.
Alizad working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Alizad lands a hook that snaps the head of Spartan backwards.
Spartan has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Alizad is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
A head punch on the inside from Alizad fails to land.
A short left from Alizad.
Alizad lands an elbow just above Spartan 's eye.
Spartan jumps guard but Alizad stands there with Spartan around his waist. Spartan gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Alexander Spartan has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Spartan is trying to trip Alizad. He has hold of a leg but Alizad is hopping around, keeping his balance for the moment. Spartan persists though and gets the takedown into guard.
Alizad manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Alizad looking to control but Spartan is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Alizad putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
Spartan throwing hammer fists to the chest of Alizad. What's that going to do exactly?
Alizad controlling from the full mount.
Alizad looking to control but Spartan is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.

And that's the end of the fight!
Arman Alizad comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Alizad has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight 27:30
Judge Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 27:30
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Arman Alizad!