PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Vasiliy Sobolev (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Erik Lehnsherr (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Sobolev comes to the cage accompanied by Ya kuplu tebe dom. The crowd seem to be enjoying Lehnsherr's choice of entrance music: PURE EVIL!. Buckle up people - heeeeeeeeeere we go!

Sobolev
vs
Lehnsherr

201 cm
35
265 lbs
18 - 24 - 0

210 cm
33
278 lbs
18 - 17 - 2

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

BJJ Purple Belt
World class boxer
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 18 - 24 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Vasiliy Sobolev!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 18 - 17 - 2, fighting out of Helsinki, Erik Lehnsherr!
The judges for this bout are Arvi Lind, Johanna Lukiainen and Anni Minnemäki.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Lehnsherr throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Lehnsherr swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Lehnsherr lands a right hook to the body.
Sobolev shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Lehnsherr sprawls well. Lehnsherr wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Sobolev gets slowly back to his feet.
Lehnsherr with a nice cross.

It looks like Vasiliy Sobolev has been cut.
Lehnsherr moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Lehnsherr tries to clinch but Sobolev is having none of it.
Lehnsherr fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Sobolev manages to avoid it.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Lehnsherr looks to land a left hand but Sobolev moved out of range nicely.

Sobolev throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Lehnsherr tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Sobolev is in Lehnsherr's guard.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Sobolev working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Sobolev 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.
Lehnsherr working a defensive guard here.
Lehnsherr wants to stand up but Sobolev is controlling him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Sobolev accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Sobolev trying to control but Lehnsherr is working from the bottom.
Sobolev works over Lehnsherr with some ground and pound from guard.
Sobolev throws a big elbow that misses.
Sobolev connects with a couple of short punches.
Sobolev throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Lehnsherr works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Lehnsherr lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Sobolev!
Sobolev tries to hold on but Lehnsherr pushes him away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lehnsherr looking to control and managing it successfully.
Lehnsherr looking to control but Sobolev is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Sobolev is looking to improve his position but Lehnsherr isn't that keen on the idea.
Lehnsherr sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lehnsherr is looking to stand but Lehnsherr has his arms wrapped tightly around him, looking to prevent the damage.
Lehnsherr trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Sobolev working to try and regain half guard.
Sobolev wants to control but Lehnsherr is having none of it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lehnsherr controlling the position easily from mount.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Sobolev bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Sobolev trying to control the position from guard on top but Lehnsherr is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Erik Lehnsherr wasn't active enough on the ground.
Lehnsherr uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Sobolev.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Lehnsherr ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Sobolev closes this distance looking for a takedown but Lehnsherr circles away.
Sobolev shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Erik Lehnsherr will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Vasiliy Sobolev's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Sobolev misses with the combination.
Sobolev fails with a takedown attempt.
Sobolev rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Lehnsherr counters with a straight right hand.
Sobolev takes a swing at Lehnsherr's ribcage but misses.
Lehnsherr defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Sobolev.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Sobolev.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Vasiliy Sobolev. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Lehnsherr thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Sobolev if he has to take too many more of those.
Sobolev steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Lehnsherr. That one must have hurt.
Lehnsherr tries to close the distance and clinch but Sobolev swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Lehnsherr connects with a good right hand that stumbles Sobolev. Sobolev circles away out of range and recomposes himself.

Lehnsherr lands a big head kick that sends Sobolev tumbling to the mat! Lehnsherr takes a step backwards and waves Sobolev back to his feet - he wants the finish!
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

Sobolev dives in and scores a takedown into Lehnsherr's guard.
Sobolev won't allow Lehnsherr to sweep him here.
Vasiliy Sobolev overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lehnsherr is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Sobolev is controlling him.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Lehnsherr trying to control the position here.
Sobolev stopping the sweep attempt from Lehnsherr.
Lehnsherr wants to stand up but Sobolev is controlling him.
Sobolev connects with a couple of short punches.
Lehnsherr is trying to keep Sobolev in close.
Sobolev working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lehnsherr pulls Sobolev in to control the position.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Erik Lehnsherr.
Lehnsherr throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Sobolev avoids the head kick by Lehnsherr.
Sobolev tries to score a power double leg takedown but Lehnsherr sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Sobolev somewhat.
Sobolev misses with a wild combination.
Sobolev blocks a head kick by Lehnsherr.
Sobolev shoots in but no luck this time.

Sobolev fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Lehnsherr to the ground. Sobolev is now in Lehnsherr's guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Lehnsherr wants to sweep but no luck.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sobolev missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Sobolev working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Sobolev throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Lehnsherr works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Sobolev trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Sobolev throws a big elbow that misses.
Sobolev loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Sobolev lands a couple of elbows.
Lehnsherr trying to keep a closed guard but Sobolev is proving a slippery customer.
Sobolev with a flurry of punches that miss.
Sobolev trying to control but Lehnsherr is working from the bottom.
Sobolev is looking to work some ground and pound but Lehnsherr has wrist control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lehnsherr preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Sobolev throws a big elbow that misses.
Sobolev wants to control from the top but Lehnsherr keeps moving.
Sobolev throwing strikes from guard but Lehnsherr blocks nicely.
Sobolev loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Sobolev lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Sobolev postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Sobolev throws a big elbow that misses.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Sobolev throwing strikes but missing.
Lehnsherr tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Sobolev with a nice head shot there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Erik Lehnsherr showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Vasiliy Sobolev's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Sobolev moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Lehnsherr defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Sobolev.
Good shot there by Lehnsherr.
Sobolev works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Lehnsherr thuds a left hand into Sobolev's body.
Lehnsherr throws a head kick that misses.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Sobolev, as that shot connected.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Lehnsherr misses with a hook.
Sobolev swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Sobolev dodges the punch combination from Lehnsherr.
Sobolev shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Lehnsherr feints and then cracks Sobolev's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Sobolev down.
Lehnsherr has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Sobolev throws a looping overhand right but Lehnsherr ducks down to avoid it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lehnsherr throws a head kick but Sobolev moves out of range.
Sobolev scores with a jab to the head.
Sobolev avoids the body shot from Lehnsherr.
Sobolev takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Lehnsherr moves to clinch but Sobolev breaks away

and Sobolev counters with a nice double leg into guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Sobolev is in close to Lehnsherr's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Lehnsherr looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Sobolev is working Lehnsherr over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Sobolev trying to move into half guard but instead Lehnsherr has managed to sweep!
Sobolev bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Lehnsherr's guard.
Lehnsherr looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lehnsherr is looking to stand up but Sobolev isn't so interested in that idea.
Lehnsherr is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Lehnsherr takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Lehnsherr tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Sobolev missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Sobolev trying to control the position from guard on top but Lehnsherr is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Lehnsherr utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Sobolev is working Lehnsherr over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Lehnsherr working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Sobolev.
Lehnsherr preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Sobolev postures up and lands a big shot to Lehnsherr's brow.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lehnsherr looking to control.
Lehnsherr preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Sobolev accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Sobolev throws a big elbow that misses.
Sobolev throwing strikes from guard but Lehnsherr blocks nicely.
Sobolev lands a couple of elbows.
Sobolev makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Lehnsherr avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Lehnsherr preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Lehnsherr controls Sobolev momentarily but Sobolev frees himself.
Sobolev postures up in Lehnsherr's guard and throws a big left but Lehnsherr blocks it.
Erik Lehnsherr is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sobolev in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Lehnsherr is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Sobolev throwing strikes from guard but Lehnsherr blocks nicely.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Sobolev throwing strikes but missing.
Sobolev working some strikes from top position.
Sobolev working some strikes from top position.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Sobolev accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Sobolev accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Vasiliy Sobolev has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Sobolev throws a strike but Lehnsherr rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Lehnsherr preventing the sweep.

And that's the end of the fight!
Vasiliy Sobolev showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Lehnsherr has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Arvi Lind scores the fight 29:29
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 28:29
Judge Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by majority decision... Erik Lehnsherr!
Erik Lehnsherr decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.