PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Jarik Belson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Sami Saari (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Belson
vs
Saari

190 cm
23
182 lbs
11 - 2 - 0

170 cm
26
177 lbs
14 - 7 - 1

Abu Dhabi Champ
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Fury Nutrition Inc.

Hellbent

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 11 - 2 - 0, fighting out of New York, Jarik Belson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 14 - 7 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Sami Saari!
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, and Frank Antenori.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Belson takes one on the button.
Belson slips under a jab from Saari.
Belson has been working on his boxing with his coaches at The Sweat Lodge in the buildup to the fight.
Belson moves out of range as Saari strikes.
Belson bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Belson blocks a jab.
A big right from Belson misses.
Belson fails with a takedown attempt.
Saari throws a body punch but Belson moves out of range.
A swing and a miss from Saari.
Belson takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Belson scores with a decent looking hook.
Belson swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Belson throws a hook to the side of Saari's head but Saari sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Belson takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.

Belson is rocked!
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!
Belson digs a good hook to Saari's body.
Oh Belson is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Belson misses with a jab, cross combination.

Saari gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Saari pulls Belson in close to his closed guard and prevents Belson from doing any damage or advancing position.
Belson seems to have got his legs back now.
Saari looking to hit a scissor sweep but Belson is one step ahead there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Belson trying to control the position from guard on top but Saari is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Saari wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Belson pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Saari is keeping the position for now.
Saari working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Belson.
Belson slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Belson working away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Saari is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Saari is trying to control but can't.
Saari wants to improve his position but Belson is controlling well.
Saari is looking to control Belson's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Saari avoid being mounted?
Saari tries to roll over but Belson keeps him under control.
Belson trying to pass the guard but Saari defending well.
Belson passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for Saari!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Saari has given up his back here.
Belson has the hooks in. Saari is trying to push off one leg but he has to do so cautiously to avoid being submitted.

Saari fending off the submission attempt from Belson.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Belson is hanging on to Saari's back as he tries to escape.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:24 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Jarik Belson!
After winning the bout, Jarik Belson thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.