PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Sergei Kruzov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Yio Yaj (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Kruzov
vs
Yaj

175 cm
23
175 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

188 cm
23
219 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Likes musicals

Decent wrestler
Basic striking

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Sergei Kruzov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Yio Yaj!
The judges for this bout are Leandro Rodrigues, Thiago Cunha and Emerson Jorge.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Yaj scores with a takedown into Kruzov's guard.
Kruzov might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Kruzov has momentary wrist control but Yaj slips an elbow through the middle.
Yaj scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Yaj is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Yaj is looking to work some ground and pound but Kruzov has wrist control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Yaj works over Kruzov with some ground and pound from guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Yaj engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Yaj trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Yaj prevents Kruzov from getting back to his feet.
Yaj is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Yaj throwing strikes from guard but Kruzov blocks nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Yaj 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.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Yio Yaj was stalling too much, according to the referee.

Kruzov has taken the fight to the clinch.
Yaj is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Kruzov is defending well.
Yaj is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Kruzov gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Kruzov misses with a knee to the head.
Kruzov trying to control the position but instead, Yaj has worked for underhooks and has pushed Kruzov into the cage.
Yaj can't get the takedown.
Sergei Kruzov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Yio Yaj.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kruzov managing to block the knees to the body from Yaj.
Yaj is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Kruzov to keep the fight standing.

Kruzov breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

Yaj closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Yaj lands in his opponent's guard.
Kruzov wants to get back to his feet but Yaj is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Yaj passes Kruzov's left leg - he's now in half guard.

Yaj is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Kruzov sees it coming and defends easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Still in half guard, Yaj seems content to control.
Yaj missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Kruzov pushes Yaj off looking to stand but Yaj dives back in and keeps control.

Yaj is trying to improve position by moving to mount. Kruzov has hold of his neck though and manages to move into guard! All of a sudden, Yaj is in a lot of trouble! Kruzov is straining to finish and he's done it! Yaj taps out! Amazing!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:46 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Sergei Kruzov!