PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Taavi Liisteri (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Lenart Holmberg (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Liisteri kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Solid Base - I like it. Taavi Liisteri had a look across the cage there at his opponent. He definitely means business

Liisteri
vs
Holmberg

170 cm
30
162 lbs
16 - 15 - 0

162 cm
22
167 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Experienced

BJJ Brown Belt
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 16 - 15 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Taavi Liisteri!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Lenart Holmberg!
The judges for this bout are Tarja Halkonen, Johanna Lukiainen and Arvi Lind.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Holmberg throws a head kick that half lands.

It looks like Taavi Liisteri has been cut.
Liisteri tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Holmberg swivels and escapes.
A head kick misses from Holmberg.
Liisteri looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Holmberg is fending him off so far but Liisteri persists. Nope, Holmberg circles away and we're back to standing.
Horrible takedown by Liisteri or perhaps it was just good defense by Holmberg which made him look bad.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Taavi Liisteri. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Holmberg pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Liisteri closes this distance looking for a takedown but Holmberg circles away.
A head kick misses from Holmberg.
Holmberg misses with a two punch combination.
Lenart Holmberg seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Holmberg throws a push kick but Liisteri slaps the foot to one side.
Liisteri sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Liisteri uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Holmberg.
Holmberg goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Holmberg misses with a body punch

and Liisteri counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Liisteri.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Liisteri in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

Liisteri postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Holmberg is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Liisteri, into his guard.
Liisteri has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Liisteri working for a triangle but Holmberg defends it easily.

Liisteri is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Holmberg is aware though and is defending well.

Liisteri has thrown up a leg looking for a triangle. Holmberg doesn't defend quickly enough and Liisteri has managed to lock this one up! Can Holmberg escape?! NO! He's tapping out! Damn, that was a quick submission - congrats to Liisteri on a fantastic submission victory.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:02 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Taavi Liisteri!