PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Aaron Andrews (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Hakeem Berzevaco (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Berzevaco is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by Kaksi vanhaa hinttaria. Aaron Andrews has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Andrews
vs
Berzevaco

173 cm
21
180 lbs
7 - 2 - 0

178 cm
21
180 lbs
6 - 3 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Counter striker
Granite chin

Powerful takedowns
Decent boxing
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Aaron Andrews!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Hakeem Berzevaco!
The judges for this bout are Marco Blurström, Matti Vanhoillinen and Arvi Lind.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Andrews gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Berzevaco counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Andrews gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Andrews takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Andrews keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Andrews with a poor takedown
and Berzevaco counters with a nice body shot.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Aaron Andrews. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Andrews doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Berzevaco counters with a right hand to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Berzevaco jabs Andrews to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Andrews fails with the takedown
and Berzevaco counters with a left to the body.

Andrews is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Berzevaco's half guard.
Berzevaco is not content to let Andrews control the position.
Andrews wants to pass the guard but Berzevaco is defending well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Berzevaco is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Andrews pulls his head out easily.
Berzevaco gets full guard.
Berzevaco keeping full guard, as Andrews tries to pass.

Berzevaco is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Andrews is aware though and is defending well.

Berzevaco looking for a guillotine here but Andrews defends easily.

Berzevaco is looking for a triangle but Andrews pushes his legs off easily.
Andrews pushes down on Berzevaco's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Berzevaco is refusing to be controlled, as Andrews sits in half guard.

Berzevaco looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Andrews seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Berzevaco does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Berzevaco is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Andrews pulls his head out easily.

Berzevaco actively working from the bottom here.

Berzevaco looking for submissions off his back.
Andrews is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Berzevaco!
Andrews throwing shots from mount but they're not landing.
Berzevaco prevents Andrews from taking his back.
Andrews prevents Berzevaco from getting the reversal.
Andrews working away from the top, dropping strikes.
Berzevaco is desperately trying to improve his position but Andrews has a good base and remains in mount.
Andrews wants to take his opponent's back but Berzevaco doesn't allow it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Berzevaco keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Andrews trying to control but Berzevaco is having none of it.

Andrews is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Berzevaco has managed to escape the submission attempt.
Berzevaco gets back to half guard.

Berzevaco actively working from the bottom here.
Andrews uses his free foot to push down on Berzevaco's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Berzevaco.
Berzevaco is trying desperately to improve position.
Andrews moves to back control.
Berzevaco prevents Andrews from getting a body triangle.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Aaron Andrews will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action!

Berzevaco throws a predictable looking body shot
and Berzevaco takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Andrews has his takedown stuffed
and Berzevaco counters with a stiff right hand.
A big left from Berzevaco misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Berzevaco throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Andrews shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Berzevaco counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Andrews looks to score with a jab to the body but Berzevaco is just out of range.
Andrews has his takedown stuffed
and Berzevaco counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Aaron Andrews. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Andrews with a lazy takedown attempt
and Berzevaco counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Andrews with a lazy takedown attempt
and Berzevaco counters with a nice body shot.

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.
Berzevaco lands a nice shot that snaps Andrews's head back.
Andrews fails with the takedown
and Berzevaco counters with a left to the body.
Andrews fails with the takedown
and Berzevaco counters with a right hand to the body.
Andrews moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Andrews shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Berzevaco counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Andrews scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Andrews misses with a takedown attempt
and Berzevaco counters with a right hand to the body.
Andrews with a poor takedown
and Berzevaco connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Berzevaco lands with a shot to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Andrews fails with the takedown
and Berzevaco counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Berzevaco fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Andrews manages to avoid it.
Berzevaco is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Andrews rather than just go for the knockout.
Andrews shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Berzevaco counters with a right hand to the body.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Andrews misses with a takedown attempt
and Berzevaco counters with a left to the body.
Andrews throws a poor cross that misses
and Berzevaco counters with a left to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Hakeem Berzevaco showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Andrews's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Andrews misses with a takedown
and Berzevaco counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Berzevaco steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Andrews.
Berzevaco misses the shot to the body.
A shot to the body from Berzevaco misses

and Andrews counters with a nice double leg into side control. Berzevaco won't be happy with that.
Berzevaco is trying to get back to half guard.
Berzevaco sneaks back into half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Andrews works his way into full mount!
Berzevaco gets back to half guard.

Andrews looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Andrews wants to lay and pray for a moment but Berzevaco keeps working.
Andrews prevents Berzevaco from improving his position.

Berzevaco looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Berzevaco looking for submissions off his back.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Andrews is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Berzevaco sees it coming and defends easily.
Berzevaco is staying active underneath Andrews, who seems content to just control the action from this position.

Andrews seems to be working for a kimura but Berzevaco defends the submission attempt.
Andrews has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Andrews trying to control but Berzevaco is having none of it.
Berzevaco looking to escape from mount but he's given up his back!
Andrews struggling to land strikes to the head as Berzevaco covers up.
Berzevaco tries to break free.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Berzevaco breaks Andrews's hooks off and manages to turn into his guard.
Berzevaco has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Andrews is proving hard to escape from.

Berzevaco drops back, looking for a kneebar! Andrews looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Andrews looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Andrews!
Andrews wants to lay and pray for a moment but Berzevaco keeps working.
Berzevaco is trying to escape the position but Andrews is controlling the position.
Aaron Andrews overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Berzevaco is not content to let Andrews control the position.
Berzevaco gets back to half guard.

Berzevaco looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Berzevaco looking for submissions off his back.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Berzevaco looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Berzevaco takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Andrews works his way into side control.
Andrews is looking to take a break and control but Berzevaco is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Berzevaco takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.
Andrews looks up at the clock and then as Berzevaco takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Andrews smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
Berzevaco prevents Andrews from improving position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Aaron Andrews clearly takes that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Andrews with a poor takedown
and Berzevaco counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Andrews thinking.
Andrews fails with the takedown
and Berzevaco counters with a nice uppercut.
Berzevaco misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Andrews.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Andrews with a poor takedown
and Berzevaco counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Aaron Andrews. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Andrews doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Berzevaco counters with a left to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Andrews with a poor takedown
and Berzevaco counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Andrews fails with the takedown
and Berzevaco counters with a straight punch to the midsection.

Andrews shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Andrews wants to control but Berzevaco is keeping him busy.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Andrews frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Berzevaco is desperately trying to improve his position but Andrews has a good base and remains in mount.
Berzevaco regains half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Berzevaco is trying to get back to full guard.
Andrews trying to control from half guard but Berzevaco is working away.

Berzevaco actively working from the bottom here.

Berzevaco is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Andrews pulls his head out easily.

Berzevaco looking for submissions off his back.
Berzevaco is in trouble now - Andrews has advanced to mount!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Berzevaco is trying desperately to improve position.
Andrews with a couple of short strikes.
Berzevaco has given up his back.
The crowd hopeful of a finish here - Andrews's supporters are on their feet, screaming for him to go for the rear naked choke.
Andrews keeps control of the position as Berzevaco tries to break free.
Will Andrews go for the finish here or will he try and keep control of the position?
Andrews has the hooks in. Berzevaco is trying to push off one leg but he has to do so cautiously to avoid being submitted.
Andrews controls the action.
Berzevaco breaks Andrews's hooks off and manages to turn into his guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Berzevaco got a little sloppy there for a moment and Andrews has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Berzevaco has managed to get both his arms back between Andrews's legs - danger averted.
Berzevaco wants to get up but he can't break Andrews's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Berzevaco is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.

Andrews has his foot on Berzevaco's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Berzevaco works his way back into a safe position though.
Andrews wants to sweep here but Berzevaco controlling him for the moment.

Berzevaco thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Andrews 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.

Berzevaco drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Andrews dives on top into guard.

Berzevaco working for a triangle but Andrews defends it easily.

Berzevaco throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Aaron Andrews had his way with Hakeem Berzevaco in that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Andrews shoots and misses
and Berzevaco counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Andrews tries for a takedown but Berzevaco circles away easily
and Berzevaco counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Aaron Andrews seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Andrews doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Berzevaco counters with a nice body shot.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Aaron Andrews. That's going to take a lot out of him.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Andrews doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Berzevaco counters with a lovely shot to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Andrews fails with the takedown
and Berzevaco counters with a straight right hand.
Berzevaco misses with a body shot.
Andrews misses with a takedown attempt
and Berzevaco counters with a lovely shot to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Andrews has his takedown stuffed
and Berzevaco counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Andrews fails with the takedown
and Berzevaco counters with a nice body shot.
Andrews misses with a takedown
letting Berzevaco counter with a right hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Andrews doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Berzevaco counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Andrews with a lazy takedown attempt
and Berzevaco counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Andrews thinking.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Andrews tries for a takedown but Berzevaco circles away easily
and Berzevaco counters with a lovely shot to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Berzevaco tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Andrews was well out of range. Poor timing from Berzevaco.
Andrews doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Andrews takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Hakeem Berzevaco has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Andrews closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Berzevaco's guard.
Berzevaco bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Andrews's guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Berzevaco drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Berzevaco jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Berzevaco loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Aaron Andrews is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Berzevaco wants to pass the guard but Andrews is keeping the position.

And that's the end of the fight!
Hakeem Berzevaco comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Andrews has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight 48:47
Judge Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight 48:47
Judge Arvi Lind scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Aaron Andrews!
Aaron Andrews is the new welterweight champion!