PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Maurício Aurelio (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Aflatun Hasanov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Aurelio
vs
Hasanov

177 cm
21
165 lbs
7 - 1 - 0

170 cm
25
165 lbs
5 - 6 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Basic striking
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 7 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Maurício Aurelio!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Aflatun Hasanov!
The judges for this bout are Timothy Bukovac, Don Winkell and Jack Bonds.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hasanov shoots in for a takedown but Aurelio shows good takedown defense.

Hasanov shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Aurelio is trying to defend but Hasanov finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.

Aurelio is defending against the submission attempts here by Hasanov.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Hasanov is looking to take a break and control but Aurelio is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Aurelio won't allow Hasanov to pass to mount.
Aurelio wants to improve his position but Hasanov is controlling well.
Hasanov wants to control but Aurelio is keeping him busy.
Hasanov working over Aurelio with some ground and pound. Aurelio looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Hasanov missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
The fighters are battling for position here. Aurelio manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Hasanov is pushing down on Aurelio's leg trying to pass to half guard. Aurelio is fighting to maintain full guard but Hasanov has managed to sneak the leg through.

Aurelio is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Hasanov pulls his head out easily.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Hasanov tries to pass to full mount but Aurelio defends it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nice strikes from Hasanov there.
Hasanov takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Hasanov wants to lay and pray for a moment but Aurelio keeps working.
Hasanov throwing shots but Aurelio is blocking nicely.
Aurelio trying to hold on to Hasanov's head to control him but Hasanov postures up.
Hasanov takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Aurelio blocking the ground and pound attempt from Hasanov.
Aurelio avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Hasanov.
Aurelio is in trouble now - Hasanov has advanced to mount!
Aurelio is looking to get to half guard.
Hasanov connects with a couple of good shots from mount.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hasanov landing strikes, looking to finish!
Hasanov can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Aurelio is looking to escape.
Aurelio is in all sorts of trouble here.

Hasanov is looking to secure an arm. He's managed it! He's pivoting for an armbar - that looks tight! But Aurelio has managed to get out of it and now he's in a dominant position. Nice work from Aurelio!
Aurelio stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Hasanov swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Hasanov controls Aurelio momentarily but Aurelio frees himself.
Hasanov looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hasanov controls Aurelio momentarily but Aurelio frees himself.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Aflatun Hasanov hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Aurelio connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Aurelio stuffs the takedown.
Aurelio throws a front kick that sends Hasanov stumbling back into the cage.
Aurelio smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Aurelio walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Hasanov checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.

Hasanov throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Aurelio was covering up waiting for the punch and Hasanov finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Hasanov advances position into side control!
Hasanov is chipping away with strikes.
Aurelio can't do much from the bottom here.
Hasanov is chipping away with strikes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Hasanov landing strikes.
Aurelio is looking for a sweep.
Aurelio taking punishment in the form of punches.
Aurelio is trying to get back to half guard.
Hasanov throwing ground and pound but whilst doing so, he forgets to control position and Aurelio works his way back to half guard. Good composure under pressure.
Hasanov not landing any meaningful shots this time.

Aurelio looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Nice strikes from Hasanov there.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Hasanov lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Hasanov wants to pass the guard but Aurelio is defending well.
Nice strikes from Hasanov there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Aflatun Hasanov dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Aurelio goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Hasanov fails to land the takedown.
Aurelio throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Hasanov uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Aurelio.

Hasanov closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Aurelio to the mat! Aurelio manages to get full guard.

Aurelio is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Hasanov defends well.
Aurelio is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Hasanov trying to control here.
Hasanov makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Hasanov.
Hasanov seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Aurelio pushing down on Hasanov's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.

Aurelio is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Hasanov sees it coming and defends easily.
Aurelio takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Hasanov is looking to improve his position.

Aurelio seems to be working for a kimura but Hasanov defends the submission attempt.
Aurelio wants to pass the guard but Hasanov is defending well.
Hasanov keeping control of the leg, stopping his opponent passing to mount.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Aurelio is trying to work for a kimura but Hasanov is defending well.
Aurelio wants to take a breather but Hasanov is having none of it.
Hasanov is concentrating on defense, preventing Aurelio from advancing position.
Aurelio prevents Hasanov from improving his position.

Aurelio is working for a kimura but Hasanov is defending it quite comfortably.
Hasanov is trying to get back to full guard.
Hasanov is staying active underneath Aurelio, who seems content to just control the action from this position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Hasanov is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Aurelio pulls his head out easily.

Aurelio is working for a submission of some sort.
Aurelio trying to control from half guard but Hasanov is working away.
Hasanov tries to get to full guard but Aurelio has control of the leg.
Hasanov keeps control of the position for the meantime.

Aurelio seems to be working for a kimura but Hasanov defends the submission attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Aurelio wants to control but Hasanov is keeping him busy.
Aurelio wants to free his trapped foot but Hasanov is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Aurelio prevents Hasanov from improving his position.

Aurelio is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Hasanov is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Aflatun Hasanov has got the better of the ground game so far.
Aurelio missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Hasanov wants to control but Aurelio is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Hasanov moves into full guard.
Aurelio postures up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Maurício Aurelio will probably get the nod.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

No luck for Hasanov with that takedown attempt.
Aurelio misses with a low kick.
Aurelio looks to land a body kick but Hasanov moved away.
Aurelio lands with an overhand left.
Hasanov tries to move into range but Aurelio moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Hasanov checks a low kick from Aurelio.
Aurelio moves into range and connects with a jab.
Aurelio bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.

Hasanov decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Aurelio tries to roll over but Hasanov keeps him under control.
Hasanov throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Aurelio taking some punishment here, with Hasanov in his half guard.
Aurelio is refusing to be controlled, as Hasanov sits in half guard.
Hasanov seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hasanov throws a strike but Aurelio avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Hasanov pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Aurelio is keeping the position for now.

Aurelio looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Hasanov trying to control the position from guard on top but Aurelio is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Hasanov lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Hasanov trying to control the position from guard on top but Aurelio is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Aurelio working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Hasanov doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Hasanov manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

Aurelio is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Aurelio tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Hasanov postures up and lands a big shot to Aurelio's brow.
Hasanov advances to half guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Hasanov is trying to control the action in half guard but Aurelio is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Hasanov working the head and body with strikes.
Hasanov thows a huge punch but Aurelio dodges it nicely.
Hasanov drops an elbow to the side of Aurelio's head.
Hasanov wants to pass to mount but Aurelio is defending the position.
Hasanov wants to lay and pray for a moment but Aurelio keeps working.
Hasanov throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Aurelio taking some punishment here, with Hasanov in his half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hasanov drops an elbow to the side of Aurelio's head.
Aurelio is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Hasanov's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Hasanov's back!

Hasanov showing good submission defense here.
Hasanov is defending well here and trying to improve his position.

Hasanov is staying cool under pressure, defending well against the rear naked choke attempt from his opponent.
Hasanov is in bad spot here.
Hasanov is in a world of trouble here. He's outmatched on the ground here and he'd better get Aurelio off his back sharpish unless he wants to be submitted.
Hasanov turns into Aurelio and is now in his guard.
Aurelio working a defensive guard here.
Aurelio looking for a sweep. Not yet Aurelio, not yet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hasanov lands a couple of elbows.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Hasanov is looking to work some ground and pound but Aurelio has wrist control.
Hasanov wants to control from the top but Aurelio keeps moving.
Aurelio is trying to control the position but Hasanov postures up.
Hasanov postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

Aurelio escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Hasanov gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Hasanov trying to control but Aurelio is working from the bottom.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Hasanov distracts Aurelio with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.

And that's the end of the fight!
Aflatun Hasanov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Hasanov 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 Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 28:29
Judge Don Winkell scores the fight 27:30
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Aflatun Hasanov!
Aflatun Hasanov seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.