PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Sebastian Drago (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Alexei Erschov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Alexei Erschov will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Drago
vs
Erschov

165 cm
23
170 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

170 cm
20
180 lbs
5 - 3 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Good chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Sebastian Drago!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Alexei Erschov!
The judges for this bout are Viktor Lagutenko, Ivan Kurochkin and Sergei Dronov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Erschov closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Drago to the mat! Drago manages to get full guard.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Erschov wants to control from the top but Drago keeps moving.

Drago is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Erschov is aware though and is defending well.
Erschov would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Erschov trying to control but Drago is working from the bottom.
Erschov throwing strikes but missing.
Drago striking off his back but it's not causing Erschov any problems.
Erschov tries to stand but Drago is controlling from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Drago wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Erschov wants to control from the top but Drago keeps moving.
Drago looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Alexei Erschov hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.

Erschov scores with a takedown into Drago's guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Drago keeping moving, preventing Erschov from controlling successfully.

Erschov drops back looking for a leg! Drago is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Drago manages to kick Erschov off! Erschov jumps back into Drago's guard.
Erschov trying to control the position from guard on top but Drago is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Drago throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! Erschov escapes and throws Drago's legs to the side, diving into side control!
Erschov passes to full mount! That's big trouble for Drago!
Erschov can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Drago is looking to escape.
Drago looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Erschov wants to stand but Drago is holding on to him, trying to stop him posturing up.

Erschov wants to finish this one by submission but Drago is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Erschov.
Drago is desperately trying to improve his position but Erschov has a good base and remains in mount.
Erschov breaks from Drago's wrist control and lands an elbow.
Drago holding onto his opponent's waist for dear life, as Erschov tries to land some strikes to get him to release his grip.
Erschov punching from mount but Drago doing a good job of avoiding damage.
Drago is in a horrible position here. Erschov smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
Drago taking shots to the head.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Drago tries to lock up and control but Erschov gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Erschov throwing strikes here but Drago is writhing around nicely and avoiding any serious damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Drago can't escape the position.
Erschov scoring with strikes but Drago is staying in there.
Erschov lands a nice shot to the head.
Erschov forces the positional change into back control.
Drago is breathing heavily.
Drago just trying to survive but Erschov is wriggling into a better position, looking to finish.

Erschov is looking to finish the fight by rear naked choke. Drago knows exactly what he's got planned though, so he's defending well. Maybe a few strikes would soften Drago for a finish.
Erschov is looking to control Drago but Drago is wriggling around and keeping busy.

Drago preventing the rear naked choke attempt from Erschov.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Erschov is remaining active here, looking for the choke. The more discerning members of the crowd will appreciate his efforts.

Erschov sinks in the hooks and is looking for the choke. He's got it! Drago taps out!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Alexei Erschov!